different between selfish vs wolfish

English

Etymology

From self +? -ish. Compare Danish selvisk (“selfish”), Swedish självisk (“selfish”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?s?lf??/
• Rhymes: -?lf??

Adjective

selfish (comparative more selfish or selfisher, superlative most selfish or selfishest)

1. Holding one's own self-interest as the standard for decision making.
   • 1997, John Peniel, The Children Of The Law Of One & The Lost Teachings Of Atlantis, chapter 10, page 127

     “We all have both a selfish separate self, and an Inner Being that is One with the Universal Spirit. In this sense, every human has a sort of ‘split personality’. We are all kind of what you call ‘schitzy’ with these two sides, these two people living within us. And they are in total opposition. The free will dictates which of these two sides will have its way in our life, at every given moment.”

2. Having regard for oneself above others’ well-being.

Usage notes

• Said of people and their thoughts and actions, such as motives, desires, acts.

Synonyms

• egoistic
• egotistic
• egotistical
• self-centered
• greedy

Antonyms

• altruistic
• philanthropic
• selfless
• unselfish

Derived terms

• selfishly
• selfishness

Translations

See also

• self-serving

Anagrams

• Fishels, hisself

English

Etymology

wolf +? -ish

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?w?lfi?/, /?w?lvi?/
• Homophone: Woolfish

Adjective

wolfish (comparative more wolfish, superlative most wolfish)

1. Pertaining to wolves.
2. Having the characteristics or habits of a wolf.
   • 1820, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe, Chapter 1,^[1]

     “ […] Here, Fangs! Fangs!” he ejaculated at the top of his voice to a ragged wolfish-looking dog […]

   a wolfish appetite

3. Fierce; savage; menacing.

Synonyms

• (pertaining to wolves): lupine
• (having the characteristics of a wolf): lupine, wolfy, wolflike

Translations

Anagrams

• fish owl, fowlish