Egoist and egotist look similar, but they are not the same. An egoist is a person who puts their own interest first. The focus is on self interest. An egotist is a person who is excessively focused on themselves, especially in a boastful or self important way.
A simple contrast can help:
- Egoist: “I will choose the option that benefits me most.”
- Egotist: “Let me tell you again why I am the best person here.”
So, an egoist may act selfishly, even quietly. An egotist often draws attention to themselves through pride, bragging, or constant self reference.
The two ideas can overlap, but they are not identical. Someone can be an egoist without constantly boasting. Someone can be an egotist without making every decision from careful self interest. If you are choosing between the two words, ask whether you mean self interest or self importance. That usually makes the right choice clear.