egotistical

The word "egotistical" describes someone who is too conceited or too absorbed in themselves; self-centered to an extreme degree. It goes beyond simply having confidence - it is about believing you are better than other people and putting your own needs, desires, and achievements above everything else. The root of the word comes from "ego," which refers to a person's sense of self-importance.

An egotistical person often dominates conversations, constantly steering them back to themselves and their achievements. They may dismiss or belittle the contributions of others, struggle with empathy, and have an inflated sense of their own abilities. It's not uncommon for egotistical individuals to crave admiration and validation from those around them.

While a healthy ego is essential for self-esteem, egotistical behavior can be damaging to relationships. A friend who only talks about themselves might be described as egotistical, or a boss who takes credit for their team's work could also fit the description.

However, it's important to distinguish between confidence and egotism. Confident people believe in their abilities but are still respectful of others; egotistical people need to feel superior. You might say, "His success didn't change him; he remained humble," as opposed to, "Her success went to her head, and she became increasingly egotistical."

So, if someone consistently puts themselves first, craves attention, and believes they are better than everyone else, chances are you're dealing with an egotistical personality.