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self-flattery

American  
[self-flat-uh-ree, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈflæt ə ri, ˈsɛlf- /

noun

  1. praise and exaggeration of one's own achievements coupled with a denial or glossing over of one's faults or failings; self-congratulation.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of self-flattery

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

For one, the idea that Anthropic or OpenAI are capable of developing a model that could end all humanity is self-flattery.

From Salon ● Sep. 12, 2026

If not forgetting, then perhaps self-flattery is a motive.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 16, 2022

He fills his speeches with arcane detours and self-flattery.

From Slate ● Nov. 2, 2020

It was not sworn testimony, but an autobiography with all the self-flattery and exculpation associated with that genre.

From The Guardian ● Apr. 20, 2018

The four or five years thing had sounded like self-flattery.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

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