navel-gazing

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The contemplation of one's navel as an aid to meditation.
  2. An excessive focus on oneself; self-indulgent introspection.
  3. A (disproportionate) concentration on a single issue.
verb
  1. present participle and gerund of navel-gaze

Pronunciation

/ˈneɪvəlˌɡeɪzɪŋ/ en-au-navel-gazing.ogg

Word forms

navel-gazing navel-gazings navel gazing

Etymology

Calque of Ancient Greek ὀμφαλοσκοπία (omphaloskopía). By surface analysis, navel + gazing.

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