omphaloskepsis

noun

om·pha·lo·skep·sis ˌäm(p)-fə-lō-ˈskep-səs

: contemplation of one's navel as an aid to meditation

omphaloskepsis practiced by Eastern mystics

also : navel-gazing

… a preponderance of emotional self-awareness has sent us sliding dangerously into omphaloskepsis … —

Fiona McCann

Examples of omphaloskepsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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In an especially gorgeous slow movement, Dudamel revealed Mahler’s ethereal omphaloskepsis as navel gazing with Buddha-level profundity. —

Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2021 The elite obsession with admissions policies at what are, after all, mostly elite institutions is omphaloskepsis-as-policy: The genuinely downtrodden are not applying to study at Haverford College. —

Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, 3 Aug. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Greek omphalós "navel" + -o- -o- + sképsis "perception, taking notice, examination, inquiry," from skep-, base of sképtomai, sképtesthai "to look at, expect, observe, inquire" + -sis -sis — more at spy entry 1

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of omphaloskepsis was in 1925

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Omphaloskepsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omphaloskepsis. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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