# solipsism

/sˈɒlɪpsˌɪzəm/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/solipsism
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

the idea that only your own mind is real and you cannot be sure that anyone else exists. You can use it as a joke about someone who only thinks about themselves.

For teachers: the philosophical theory that the self is the only entity that can be known to exist. Metaphorically used to describe extreme self-centredness.

## Examples

- Dealing with his solipsism makes having a real conversation almost impossible.
- She joked that the driver's solipsism must be total if he thinks he owns the entire road.
- The protagonist's spiral into absolute solipsism leads him to treat his oldest friends as mere figments of his imagination, ultimately severing his final connections to the objective world.

## Usage notes

- often used as a noun, uncountable

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.