WordGarden.ioself
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɛlf/
US
- /ˈsɛlf/
Meanings
Noun
a person's own identity or inner sense of who they are
the conscious subject or enduring personal identity considered abstractly
the current object or instance in object-oriented programming
More meaningsFewer meanings
an organism's own cells or tissues as distinguished from foreign material
Other
a combining form meaning by, for, or of oneself or itself
Beyond the definition
The "self" is not just your name or how you look in the mirror - it is everything that makes you who you are. It includes your thoughts, feelings, memories, beliefs, and experiences. We all have an inner sense of who we are, and we learn more about it as we go through life. Sometimes, being true to yourself means making hard choices, like following a dream even when others doubt you.
The word "self" also appears in many other words, such as selfish, self-control, and self-portrait. These words point back to the person. They often describe what someone does, feels, or makes. A character struggling with their sense of self is a common theme in literature. For example, Hamlet's famous "To be or not to be" speech shows him questioning his life and purpose.
The concept of "self" is surprisingly complex. At its most basic, it refers to a person's awareness of their own identity - the sense of being a distinct person, separate from others. This includes personality, values, beliefs, physical traits, and personal history. It is the "I" that experiences the world and makes choices.
Philosophers have debated the nature of "self" for centuries. Some believe it's a fixed entity, while others see it as fluid and constantly changing based on our interactions and experiences. Psychologists explore how we develop a sense of self through childhood and adolescence, influenced by family, culture, and personal growth.
"Self" is not just an abstract idea; it affects everyday life. We talk about "self-esteem," "self-confidence," and the importance of being "true to yourself." We strive for "self-improvement" and often practice "self-reflection." The prefix "self-" is very common, creating words like selfless, self-aware, self-sufficient, and self-discipline. These all highlight aspects of how we relate to ourselves and the world around us.
The idea of losing one's "self" - perhaps through trauma or illness - is a powerful theme in storytelling. On the other hand, finding your "true self" can be a journey of freedom and fulfillment. Ultimately, understanding the self is a lifelong process of exploration, acceptance, and growth.
Examples
- 1
Recovery
After a few days of rest, she finally felt like her old self again.
- Phrasefeel like your old self
feel normal again
- 2
Authenticity
Around her closest friends, he can be his true self.
- 3
Younger self
Looking at those photos, I barely recognized my younger self.
- 4
Identity
Living alone for the first time gave her a stronger sense of self.
- Phrasesense of self
your feeling of who you are
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Public persona
His public self is confident and funny, but in private he's much quieter.
- 6
Planning
I'm doing the paperwork now so my future self won't have to worry about it tomorrow.
- Phrasemy future self
the person I will be later
- 7
Work performance
A good night's sleep helps me be my best self at work.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- sense of self
- true self
- inner self
- former self
Word family
- selfhood
- selfish
Explore
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- selfnounverbadjective
Forms
- selvespluralnounverbadjective
- selfsverbnounadjective
- selfing-ing formverbnounadjective
- selfedpast tenseverbnounadjective