Definition of 'self'

Word Frequency

self

(self )

Word forms: plural selves

1. countable noun [usually adjective NOUN]

Your self is your basic personality or nature, especially considered in terms of what you are really like as a person.

You're looking more like your usual self.

She was back to her old self again.

Synonyms: personality, character, temperament, identity More Synonyms of self

2. countable noun [usually adjective NOUN]

A person's self is the essential part of their nature which makes them different from everyone and everything else.

I want to explore and get in touch with my inner self.

The face is the true self visible to others.

...our subconscious selves.

Synonyms: soul, spirit, psyche, heart of hearts More Synonyms of self

Word Frequency

self in British

(sɛlf )

nounWord 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

3. good self

one's own welfare or interests

he only thinks of self

an individual's consciousness of his or her own identity or being

6. the self

a bird, animal, etc, that is a single colour throughout, esp a self-coloured pigeon

pronoun

8. not standard

myself, yourself, etc

seats for self and wife

adjective

of the same colour or material

a dress with a self belt

self in American

(sɛlf ; self)

nounWord forms: plural selves

the identity, character, or essential qualities of any person or thing

one's own person as distinct from all others

one's own welfare, interest, or advantage; selfishness

obsessed with self

pronoun

4. Informal

myself, himself, herself, or yourself

tickets for self and wife

adjective

being uniform or the same throughout

of the same kind, nature, color, material, etc. as the rest

a self lining, self trim

Word origin of 'self'

ME < OE, prob. < IE *selo- < base *se-, refl. pron., orig. separate, apart (> L sibi, se) + *(o)lo-, pron. suffix: basic sense “itself, by itself”

Example sentences containing 'self'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

Putting your real self into a relationship instead of just wanting to please will deepen love. The Sun (2008)We feel like our old selves again. Times, Sunday Times (2009)Initially he was acting in self defence. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Now they were back to their old selves. The Sun (2012)Your elephant cannot get over its self. Stanley Bing THROWING THE ELEPHANT (2002)The use of defense mechanisms to protect self is a normal human reaction. Siann, Gerda & Ugwuegbu, Denis C. E. Educational Psychology in a Changing World (1988)When he watched that audition tape he found himself unexpectedly forgiving of his young self. Times, Sunday Times (2015)She was a shadow of her former self. Times, Sunday Times (2012)Do you feel the need to hide your true self in person? Times, Sunday Times (2008)You can be your true and best self and live the life that is right for you. The Sun (2008)Giving them a sense that they are contributing to something bigger than the self is essential. Times, Sunday Times (2006)Love that lets you be your real self makes a relationship special. The Sun (2013)We can kick on and be our normal selves again. The Sun (2009)He claims he acted in self defence. The Sun (2010)Her old self is barely visible under deep layers of padding. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The mood of reflection lasted half a day and then he was back to his usual ebullient self. Times, Sunday Times (2014)Your thoughts, feelings and emotions are to the fore and your usual practical self takes a back seat. The Sun (2016)Art gave me a sense of self and identity, which I used to remove anxiety. Times, Sunday Times (2009)