solipsistic

What does “solipsistic” mean?

adjective.relating to solipsism (the view or theory that the self is all that can be known to exist).

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages discussing philosophy, psychology, or personal introspection, emphasizing a preoccupation with one's own thoughts and experiences to the exclusion of others. It implies a self-centered worldview that can lead to isolation or a lack of empathy, distinguishing it from related terms like "narcissistic," which specifically denotes excessive self-love rather than a philosophical stance on existence.

Common Confusions

Solipsistic implies a philosophical focus on the self as the only certainty, while narcissistic usually suggests an excessive love or admiration for oneself, often at the expense of acknowledging others.

Example Sentences

• His solipsistic thinking made it hard to consider others' views.