egoistic purpose

[/ˌɛɡoʊˈɪstɪk ˈpɜrpəs/]
noun phrasepl: egoistic purposes
propósito egoísta
1. a goal or intention motivated primarily by self-interest, personal gain, or concern for one's own welfare rather than the welfare of others
He pursued his egoistic purpose of accumulating wealth without regard for those he hurt in the process.
Ele perseguiu seu propósito egoísta de acumular riqueza sem se importar com aqueles que machucou no processo.
2. an objective driven by narcissistic tendencies or excessive self-centeredness
Her egoistic purpose in joining the charity was to gain recognition and status rather than help the poor.
Seu propósito egoísta ao se juntar à instituição de caridade era ganhar reconhecimento e status em vez de ajudar os pobres.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, 'egoistic purpose' is used to critique or describe behavior perceived as overly self-centered. In Brazil, there's a cultural value placed on 'jogo de cintura' (flexibility and consideration for others), making egoistic purposes viewed more negatively. In the USA, competitive individualism is more accepted, though overt egoistic purposes are still generally criticized in social, philanthropic, or professional ethics discussions.
NYC Slang
looking out for number one
Synonyms / Sinônimos
selfish motiveself-serving aimnarcissistic goalself-interested objectiveegocentric purpose
Antonyms / Antônimos
altruistic purposeselfless goalbenevolent aimhumanitarian objectivephilanthropic purpose

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
propósito egoísta
standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
propósito egoísta
common in informal and formal contexts
São Paulo
propósito egoísta
business and academic contexts frequently use this term
Portugal
propósito egoísta
identical usage to Brazilian Portuguese; also 'fim egoísta' as alternative

Related Words

egoismnarcissismself-interestselfishnessegotismaltruismmotivation

Related Idioms & Phrases

for one's own gain
in one's own interest
putting oneself first
navel-gazing
self-serving agenda
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