self-interest

英 ['self'intərist] 美

TEM4低频词

形容词: self-interested;

self-interest (n.): also self interest, 1640s, from self- + interest (n.). Related: Self-interested.
[Self-interest] is a doctrine not very lofty, but clear and sure. It does not seek to attain great objects; but it attains those it aims for without too much effort. ... [It] does not produce great devotion; but it suggests little sacrifices each day; by itself it cannot make a man virtuous; but it forms a multitude of citizens who are regulated, temperate, moderate, farsighted, masters of themselves; and if it does not lead directly to virtue through the will, it brings them near to it insensibly through habits. [Alexis de Tocqueville, "Democracy in America"]

1. He has never exhibited the self-confidence, bordering on arrogance, of his predecessor.: 他从未表现出他前任的那种近乎傲慢的自信。

2. I felt so self-conscious under Luke's mother's intense gaze.: 在卢克母亲审视的目光下，我感到极不自在。

3. She has now changed into a happy, self-confident woman.: 如今她已经变成一个快乐、自信的女人。

5. She summoned up all her pity for him, to smother her self-pity.: 她抑制着心中的自怜，将满腔的怜悯之情都倾注在了他的身上。