Selfish vs. Self Centered — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 14, 2023
Selfish refers to prioritizing one's own needs or desires over others, while Self Centered implies an excessive focus on oneself without considering others' feelings or perspectives.
Difference Between Selfish and Self Centered
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Selfish and Self Centered are two terms often used interchangeably, but they capture different nuances of behavior and attitude. Being Selfish essentially means that a person prioritizes their own needs, desires, or benefits, often at the expense of others. It indicates a willingness to obtain personal gains even if it harms or disregards the needs of others. For instance, a Selfish person might take the last slice of pizza without asking if anyone else wants it.
In contrast, someone who is Self Centered has an excessive focus or preoccupation with themselves, their feelings, and their experiences, often neglecting the feelings, needs, or perspectives of others. It doesn’t necessarily imply a harmful action, but rather a consistent tendency to be absorbed in one's own world. A Self Centered person might dominate a conversation by talking about their own experiences without showing interest in others'.
Although both terms imply a lack of consideration for others, Selfishness is more about actions, while being Self Centered is more about attitude or mindset. A person can be Self Centered without acting Selfishly, just as someone might act Selfishly in a situation without being chronically Self Centered.
However, it's essential to understand that these terms, like many in the English language, can be used in varied contexts and might carry slightly different connotations based on the situation. Still, recognizing the distinctions can be beneficial for clearer communication and understanding of human behavior.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Prioritizing one's own needs over others'.
Excessive focus on oneself without considering others.
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Nature
Action-oriented.
Attitude or mindset.
Impact on Others
Often harms or disregards others’ needs.
Often neglects others’ feelings or perspectives.
Example
Taking the last piece of cake without asking.
Dominating a conversation with one's own experiences.
Perception
Seen as lacking generosity.
Seen as lacking empathy or interest in others.
Compare with Definitions
Selfish
Prioritizing one's own needs or desires over others'.
She was deemed Selfish for not sharing her notes with the class.
Self Centered
Lacking awareness or consideration for others.
Her Self Centered remarks made her seem insensitive.
Selfish
Displaying egoistic behavior.
He showed a Selfish side when he didn’t volunteer his seat to the elderly woman.
Self Centered
Preoccupied with oneself and one's own affairs.
He was so Self Centered that he didn’t notice his friend's distress.
Selfish
Lacking consideration for others.
It was a Selfish decision to leave the party without informing the host.
Self Centered
Focused predominantly on one's own emotions, desires, or needs.
His Self Centered approach meant he rarely asked about others' well-being.
Selfish
Concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure.
She made a Selfish choice to keep the prize all to herself.
Self Centered
Being absorbed in one's own world or perspective.
His Self Centered nature often made him oblivious to the needs of those around him.
Selfish
Concerned chiefly or excessively with oneself, and having little regard for others
A selfish child who wouldn't share toys.
Self Centered
Not showing empathy or interest in others' experiences.
In the group, she was perceived as Self Centered due to her continuous self-referential stories.
Selfish
Showing or arising from an excessive concern with oneself and a lack of concern for others
A selfish whim.
Self Centered
Engrossed in oneself and one's own affairs; selfish.
Selfish
The present quote doesn't illustrate the meaning very well.Holding one's own self-interest as the standard for decision making.
Self Centered
Egotistically obsessed with oneself.
Selfish
Having regard for oneself above others’ well-being.
Self Centered
Concerned or relating to the self, and not necessarily the greater good of one's group, community, tribe, etc.; individualistic.
Selfish
(video game characters) Relying on their own actions and capabilities to be effective in the game, rather than on other characters.
Self Centered
Centered in itself, or in one's self.
There hangs the ball of earth and water mixt,Self-centered and unmoved.
Selfish
Caring supremely or unduly for one's self; regarding one's own comfort, advantage, etc., in disregard, or at the expense, of those of others.
They judge of things according to their own private appetites and selfish passions.
In that throng of selfish hearts untrue.
Self Centered
Interested solely or primiarily in oneself, or one's own welfare; disinclined to consider the interests of others; selfish; egotistical.
Selfish
Believing or teaching that the chief motives of human action are derived from love of self.
Hobbes and the selfish school of philosophers.
Self Centered
Limited to or caring only about yourself and your own needs
Selfish
Concerned chiefly or only with yourself;
Selfish men were...trying to make capital for themselves out of the sacred cause of civil rights
Selfish
Seeking personal gain, often at others' expense.
His Selfish ambition led him to betray his friends.
Common Curiosities
Can someone be both Selfish and Self Centered?
Yes, someone can display both Selfish actions and maintain a Self Centered attitude.
Can a Selfish act be justified?
Situations vary, and while some might see an act as Selfish, others might see it as a necessary choice.
How is being Self Centered different from being Selfish?
Being Self Centered is about an excessive focus on oneself, while Selfishness is about actions often disregarding others.
What does Selfish mean?
Selfish refers to prioritizing one's own needs or desires often at the expense of others.
What's the root of Self Centered behavior?
It can stem from various causes, including upbringing, personal experiences, or inherent personality traits.
Can being Self Centered affect relationships?
Yes, a consistent Self Centered attitude can strain relationships due to a lack of mutual understanding or empathy.
Is being Self Centered always negative?
Generally, it's viewed negatively, but context matters. Sometimes, focusing on oneself is essential for self-care.
Do Selfish people recognize their behavior?
Some do and choose to change, while others might remain unaware or indifferent.
Is there a psychological explanation for being Self Centered?
Certain personality disorders or traits might exhibit Self Centered behaviors, but not everyone displaying such behaviors has a disorder.
Do all children go through a Selfish phase?
Many children exhibit Selfish behavior as they learn about sharing and empathy, but it's often a developmental phase.
Is there a positive synonym for Selfish?
"Self-reliant" or "independent" can be positive, but they don't capture the exact meaning of Selfish.
How can one address their own Selfish tendencies?
Self-awareness, empathy training, and feedback from trusted individuals can help address and modify Selfish behaviors.
Can cultural factors influence perceptions of Selfishness?
Absolutely. Different cultures have varied norms about sharing, giving, and individualism, which can influence perceptions.
How can one communicate with a Self Centered individual?
Clear communication, setting boundaries, and using "I" statements can be effective.
Is it okay to be Self Centered or Selfish sometimes?
In certain situations, prioritizing oneself is important for mental, emotional, or physical well-being, but balance and consideration for others are crucial.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
