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n. 1. a. Unduly favorable estimation of one's own abilities or worth; overly positive self-regard. b. Archaic Estimation or opinion of something, especially when favorable. 2. a. A witty expression or fanciful idea: "opinionated and very funny in his conceits" (Paul Theroux). b. A fanciful poetic image, especially an elaborate or exaggerated comparison. c. Obsolete The result of intellectual activity; a thought or an opinion. 3. a. A decorative article; a knickknack. b. An extravagant, fanciful, and elaborate construction or structure: "a bulky stone conceit with its paws clenched" (Edie Meidev). tr.v. con·ceit·ed, con·ceit·ing, con·ceits 1. Chiefly British To take a fancy to. 2. Obsolete To understand; conceive. [Middle English, mind, conception, from Anglo-Norman conceite, from Late Latin conceptus; see CONCEPT.] Synonyms: conceit, egoism, egotism, narcissism, vanity These nouns denote excessively high regard for oneself: boasting that reveals conceit; the blatant egoism of his self-flattering memoir; arrogance and egotism that were obvious from her actions; narcissism that shut out everyone else; wounded his vanity by looking in the mirror. Antonym: humility |
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