conceit

[kuhn-seet]

noun

1. an excessively favorable opinion of one's own ability, importance, wit, etc.

   Synonyms: complacency, egotism, vanity, self-esteem
   Antonyms: humility

2. something that is conceived in the mind; a thought; idea.

   He jotted down the conceits of his idle hours.

3. imagination; fancy.

4. a fancy; whim; fanciful notion.

5. an elaborate, fanciful metaphor, especially of a strained or far-fetched nature.

6. the use of such metaphors as a literary characteristic, especially in poetry.

7. a fancy, purely decorative article.

8. British Dialect.

   1. favorable opinion; esteem.

   2. personal opinion or estimation.

9. Obsolete.,  the faculty of conceiving; apprehension.

verb (used with object)

1. to flatter (especially oneself ).

2. British Dialect.,  to take a fancy to; have a good opinion of.

3. Obsolete.

   1. to imagine.

   2. to conceive; apprehend.

conceit

/ kənˈsiːt /

noun

1. a high, often exaggerated, opinion of oneself or one's accomplishments; vanity

2. literary,  an elaborate image or far-fetched comparison, esp as used by the English Metaphysical poets

3. archaic

   1. a witty expression

   2. fancy; imagination

   3. an idea

4. obsolete,  a small ornament

verb

1. dialect,  to like or be able to bear (something, such as food or drink)

2. obsolete,  to think or imagine

Word History and Origins

Origin of conceit¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English conceyte, conceipt, derivative of conceive by analogy with deceive, deceit and receive, receipt; compare Anglo-French conceite; concept

Word History and Origins

Origin of conceit¹

C14: from _conceive

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. out of conceit with, displeased or dissatisfied with.

Synonym Study

See pride.

Example Sentences

With both actors confidently cutting loose, their chemistry pulls so much focus that it’s a continual struggle to remember the basic conceit.

From Los Angeles Times

Jowsey said he doesn’t want to hurt anyone anymore, a tough goal when the whole conceit of the “Bachelor” genre involves rejecting potential mates.

From Los Angeles Times

In time, however — with multiple makeovers and additions — California Adventure would become a beloved, world-class theme park, though it would stray from its initial California-centric conceit.

From Los Angeles Times

The scene at the so-called “kitsch-en,” for instance, wonderfully captures Willis’ commitment to playfulness as a central design conceit — something all too rare in a world often dressed in basic neutrals.

From Los Angeles Times

Like the film’s central conceit, it’s about making magic out of the mundane.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrogance