Selfish vs. Self Centered — What's the Difference?
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=40)
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.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/images/selfish-vs-self-centered-143163.webp)
Difference Between Selfish and Self Centered
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
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.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
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'.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
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.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Prioritizing one's own needs over others'.
Excessive focus on oneself without considering others.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Impact on Others
Often harms or disregards others’ needs.
Often neglects others’ feelings or perspectives.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Example
Taking the last piece of cake without asking.
Dominating a conversation with one's own experiences.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Perception
Seen as lacking generosity.
Seen as lacking empathy or interest in others.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Definitions
Selfish
Prioritizing one's own needs or desires over others'.
She was deemed Selfish for not sharing her notes with the class.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Self Centered
Lacking awareness or consideration for others.
Her Self Centered remarks made her seem insensitive.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Selfish
Displaying egoistic behavior.
He showed a Selfish side when he didn’t volunteer his seat to the elderly woman.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Self Centered
Preoccupied with oneself and one's own affairs.
He was so Self Centered that he didn’t notice his friend's distress.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Selfish
Lacking consideration for others.
It was a Selfish decision to leave the party without informing the host.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Self Centered
Focused predominantly on one's own emotions, desires, or needs.
His Self Centered approach meant he rarely asked about others' well-being.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Selfish
Concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure.
She made a Selfish choice to keep the prize all to herself.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
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.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Selfish
Concerned chiefly or excessively with oneself, and having little regard for others
A selfish child who wouldn't share toys.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
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.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Selfish
Showing or arising from an excessive concern with oneself and a lack of concern for others
A selfish whim.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Selfish
The present quote doesn't illustrate the meaning very well.Holding one's own self-interest as the standard for decision making.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Self Centered
Concerned or relating to the self, and not necessarily the greater good of one's group, community, tribe, etc.; individualistic.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Selfish
(video game characters) Relying on their own actions and capabilities to be effective in the game, rather than on other characters.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Self Centered
Centered in itself, or in one's self.
There hangs the ball of earth and water mixt,Self-centered and unmoved.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
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.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Self Centered
Interested solely or primiarily in oneself, or one's own welfare; disinclined to consider the interests of others; selfish; egotistical.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Selfish
Believing or teaching that the chief motives of human action are derived from love of self.
Hobbes and the selfish school of philosophers.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Selfish
Concerned chiefly or only with yourself;
Selfish men were...trying to make capital for themselves out of the sacred cause of civil rights
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Selfish
Seeking personal gain, often at others' expense.
His Selfish ambition led him to betray his friends.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
FAQs
Can someone be both Selfish and Self Centered?
Yes, someone can display both Selfish actions and maintain a Self Centered attitude.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
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.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
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.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
What does Selfish mean?
Selfish refers to prioritizing one's own needs or desires often at the expense of others.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
What's the root of Self Centered behavior?
It can stem from various causes, including upbringing, personal experiences, or inherent personality traits.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Can being Self Centered affect relationships?
Yes, a consistent Self Centered attitude can strain relationships due to a lack of mutual understanding or empathy.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Is being Self Centered always negative?
Generally, it's viewed negatively, but context matters. Sometimes, focusing on oneself is essential for self-care.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Do Selfish people recognize their behavior?
Some do and choose to change, while others might remain unaware or indifferent.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
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.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
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.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Is there a positive synonym for Selfish?
"Self-reliant" or "independent" can be positive, but they don't capture the exact meaning of Selfish.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
How can one address their own Selfish tendencies?
Self-awareness, empathy training, and feedback from trusted individuals can help address and modify Selfish behaviors.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Can cultural factors influence perceptions of Selfishness?
Absolutely. Different cultures have varied norms about sharing, giving, and individualism, which can influence perceptions.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
How can one communicate with a Self Centered individual?
Clear communication, setting boundaries, and using "I" statements can be effective.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
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.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 14, 2023
Author Spotlight
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=64)
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.