self-in·ter·est
| \ ˌself-ˈin-t(ə-)rəst
; -ˈin-tə-ˌrest, -ˌtrest; -ˈin-tərst \
; -ˈin-tə-ˌrest, -ˌtrest; -ˈin-tərst \
Definition of self-interest
1
: a concern for one's own advantage and well-being
acted out of self-interest and fear
2
: one's own interest or advantage
self-interest requires that we be generous in foreign aid
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Other Words from self-interest
self-interested
\
ˌself-ˈin-t(ə-)rə-stəd
; -ˈin-tə-ˌre- , -ˈin-ˌtre- ; -ˈin-tər-
\
adjective
; -ˈin-tə-ˌre- , -ˈin-ˌtre- ; -ˈin-tər-
\
adjective
self-interestedly
adverb
self-interestedness
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms for self-interest
Synonyms
- egocentricity,
- egocentrism,
- egoism,
- egomania,
- egotism,
- narcissism,
- navel-gazing,
- self-absorption,
- self-centeredness,
- self-concern,
- self-involvement,
- self-preoccupation,
- self-regard,
- selfishness,
- selfness
Antonyms
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Cite this Entry
“Self-interest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-interest. Accessed 27 Feb. 2021.
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More Definitions for self-interest
self-interest
noun
English Language Learners Definition of self-interest
disapproving
: concern only for getting what you want or need and not about what happens to other people
: your own interest or advantage
See the full definition for self-interest in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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Time Traveler for self-interest
The first known use of self-interest was in 1595
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