Basic Details
Word: Narcissus
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A type of flower, often yellow or white, that has a trumpet-shaped structure and is associated with spring; it can also refer to a person who has an excessive interest in themselves.
Synonyms: Daffodil, Jonquil
Antonyms: Humble person
Idioms and Phrases
- In love with one's own reflection: Used to describe someone who is very self-absorbed. Example: "She spends hours looking in the mirror, truly in love with her own reflection."
- Blinded by vanity: Meaning to be unable to see the flaws or faults in oneself due to excessive pride. Example: "He was so blinded by vanity that he couldn't accept any criticism of his work."
Usage Examples
Example 1: In the garden, the narcissus flowers bloomed brightly, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.
Example 2: As spring approached, we eagerly awaited the first sight of the narcissus, a sign that warmer days were ahead.
Example 3: He was like a narcissist, always talking about himself, which is why we humourously called him Narcissus after the flower.
Fun Fact
The name "Narcissus" comes from Greek mythology, where Narcissus was a young man who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water, leading to his tragic end. The flower is said to have sprung from the ground where he died.
Famous Quote
"The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it." Michelangelo, relating to the dangers of self-obsession.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "narcissus" mean?
a) A type of animal
b) A type of flower
c) A kind of tree
d) A type of music
Answer: b) A type of flower
2. Which of these is a synonym of "narcissus"?
a) Rose
b) Daffodil
c) Tulip
d) Orchid
Answer: b) Daffodil
3. Which term refers to a humble person?
a) Narcissus
b) Self-absorbed
c) Modest
d) Proud
Answer: c) Modest
4. Which sentence uses "narcissus" correctly?
a) The narcissus grew higher than all the other plants in the garden.
b) The narcissus was a clever fox that outwitted hunters.
c) The narcissus flowers opened beautifully in the spring sun.
d) The narcissus swam across the lake in search of food.
Answer: c) The narcissus flowers opened beautifully in the spring sun.
5. Which idiom relates to being self-absorbed?
a) In love with one's own reflection
b) Climbing the ladder
c) Flat as a pancake
d) Better late than never
Answer: a) In love with one's own reflection
