self (sɛlf
)
Definitions
noun
Word forms: plural, selves, sɛlvz
- the distinct individuality or identity of a person or thing
- a person's usual or typical bodily make-up or personal characteristics ⇒
she looked her old self again
- See good self
- one's own welfare or interests ⇒
he only thinks of self
- an individual's consciousness of his own identity or being
- See the self
- a bird, animal, etc, that is a single colour throughout, esp a self-coloured pigeon
pronoun
- not standard myself, yourself, etc ⇒
seats for self and wife
adjective
- of the same colour or material ⇒
a dress with a self belt
See also self-coloured - obsolete the same
Word Origin
Old English seolf; related to Old Norse sjālfr, Gothic silba, Old High German selbself-
Definitions
combining form
- of oneself or itself ⇒
self-defence
self-rule
- by, to, in, due to, for, or from the self ⇒
self-employed
self-inflicted
self-respect
- automatic or automatically ⇒
self-propelled
Usage examples
A disgusted expression crossed Valentino's face, as he caught a whiff of his own excremental self.
, COLDHEART CANYON (2001)Some, who know Mr Trimble well, say that he was just being his natural self.
Irish Times (2002)Jack Nicholson is in danger of becoming a parody of his former great self.
Glasgow Herald (2001)She was dressed, oddly enough, as simply a very lumpy version of her normal self.
, NANCY WAKE (2002)