What does conceitedly mean?
"Conceitedly" is an adverb describing behavior marked by excessive pride or vanity. To act conceitedly is to display an inflated opinion of oneself — one's looks, talents, intelligence, or achievements — often through boastful talk, dismissive treatment of others, or unearned self-assurance. The word carries an unmistakably negative connotation: it is almost always used to criticize or characterize someone else's manner, as in "he conceitedly assumed he deserved the award." It derives from "conceited," the adjective for someone full of conceit, which traces back through "conceit" — originally meaning a concept or idea formed in the mind — to Latin roots shared with words like "conceive" and "deceive." Over time "conceit" narrowed from any idea to an overhigh idea of oneself. Because it describes attitude rather than action, "conceitedly" is especially useful for capturing the tone of arrogance in writing about character, conduct, or social behavior.
adverbIn a manner showing excessive pride in oneself or one's abilities; with an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or achievements.
- In a manner displaying excessive pride, vanity, or an inflated opinion of oneself.
"He conceitedly assumed the promotion was already his before the interview."
"She conceitedly credited her success entirely to talent, ignoring years of luck and help from others."
"The actor conceitedly told reporters he was the finest of his generation."
It's the adverb of the person who talks about their own brilliance — and the word itself comes from "conceive," because a conceit was originally just an idea formed in the mind.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of conceitedly
"Conceitedly" derives from the adjective "conceited," formed on "conceit," which entered English in the late Middle Ages from the verb "conceive," ultimately from Latin concipere, meaning "to take in or form an idea." In its earliest English use, a conceit was simply a notion or mental concept, but during the 16th and 17th centuries it came increasingly to mean an overhigh estimate of one's own qualities. The adjective "conceited" arose in the 16th century, first carrying the neutral sense of possessing an idea or clever wit before settling into its now-dominant meaning of vain and arrogantly self-satisfied. The adverb followed naturally. Cognates sharing this Latin root include "deceive," "receive," and "perceive."
Related word forms
How conceitedly is actually used
Almost always negative or critical in connotation; typically used to describe someone's behavior, tone, or manner rather than to self-describe (a genuinely conceited person rarely uses it about themselves). Informal to neutral register, common in journalism, fiction, and everyday commentary.
Easily confused with conceitedly
"Concededly" means admittedly or as is generally conceded, while "conceitedly" means in a vain or arrogant manner — the two look similar but differ by a single letter and have unrelated meanings.