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Selbstmitleid

self-pity

noun ZELP-st-mit-lyte Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Usage Note

Selbstmitleid is almost always used critically — to wallow in Selbstmitleid (im Selbstmitleid schwelgen) is to be self-indulgently sorry for oneself. It is distinguished from legitimate grief by its self-reinforcing, inactive quality.

Examples

"Statt im Selbstmitleid zu versinken, nutzte er die Niederlage als Lernchance."

Natural Translation

Instead of sinking into self-pity, he used the defeat as a learning opportunity.

Literal Translation

Instead in-the self-pity to sink, used he the defeat as learning-opportunity.

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