solipsism

English

WOTD – 27 November 2011

Etymology

From Latin sōlus (alone) +‎ ipse (self) +‎ -ism.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈsɒlɪpsɪzəm/
  • Audio (US); /ˈsɑl-/:(file)

Noun

solipsism (countable and uncountable, plural solipsisms)

  1. (philosophy) The idea that the self is all that exists or that can be proven to exist.
    Synonym: individualism (fourth sense)
  2. Self-absorption, an unawareness of the views or needs of others; self-centeredness; egoism.
    • 2011, Bing West, No True Glory: A Frontline Account of the Battle for Fallujah:
      The solipsism that too frequently infects high commands has no place on a battlefield.
    • 2012 August 21, Jason Heller, “The Darkness: Hot Cakes (Music Review)”, in The Onion AV Club[1]:
      Self-mythology has always been part of The Darkness’ shtick, but here Hawkins and crew forget to back it up with music catchy enough to transcend the solipsism.

Translations

Romanian

Etymology

Borrowed from French solipsisme.

Noun

solipsism n (uncountable)

  1. solipsism

Declension

Declension of solipsism
singular only indefinite definite
nominative-accusative solipsism solipsismul
genitive-dative solipsism solipsismului
vocative solipsismule