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Conceit
01
excessive pride in oneself or one's abilities, often manifesting as vanity or arrogance
Examples
His conceit prevented him from acknowledging his mistakes, even when they were pointed out to him.
She could n't stand his constant boasting and conceit about his accomplishments.
02
an unrealistic or overconfident idea or belief
Examples
The plan collapsed because it was based on a conceit that success would be immediate.
Her conceit that she could finish the project alone proved unrealistic.
03
an artistic device used to create a particular effect
Examples
The painter used the conceit of distorted perspectives to convey tension.
A conceit in the choreography emphasized the dancer's elegance.
04
an elaborate or far-fetched poetic image or comparison between very dissimilar things, used in literature
Examples
John Donne 's metaphysical poetry is famous for its conceits, such as comparing lovers to a compass.
The poem 's central conceit likened time to a thief.
