Conceit
/kənˈsiːt/noun
An elaborate metaphor or a fanciful idea; an exaggerated opinion of one's own abilities or worth.
Did you know?In the 16th century, 'conceit' was often associated with the act of bewitching or enchanting, revealing a link to the mystical arts and the power of imagination.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kəm-
“to take or hold, to grasp”
Latin
Latin
concipere
“to take in, to conceive, to form an idea”
Old French
Old French
conçoit
“he/she conceives, understands”
14th Century
Middle English
conceiten
“to form a mental image or idea”
16th Century
English
conceit
“a fanciful idea or notion, often with a sense of arrogance or self-importance”