Definition of '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.
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.
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
nounWord forms: plural selves (sɛlvz
)
1.
2.
she looked her old self again
3. good self
5.
an individual's consciousness of his or her own identity or being
6. the self
7.
pronoun
8. not standard
myself, yourself, etc
seats for self and wife
adjective
10. obsolete
the same
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin of 'self'
nounWord forms: plural selves
1.
the identity, character, or essential qualities of any person or thing
2.
one's own person as distinct from all others
pronoun
4. Informal
myself, himself, herself, or yourself
tickets for self and wife
adjective
5.
being uniform or the same throughout
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word origin of 'self'
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. THROWING THE ELEPHANT (2002)The use of defense mechanisms to protect self is a normal human reaction. 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)
Word Lists
Trends of 'self'
Extremely Common. self is one of the 1000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary
View usage for:
Nearby words of 'self'
Source
Definition of self from the
Collins English Dictionary
Take better control of your finances with these simple steps
Do you find yourself living paycheque to paycheque? Dr Peter Brooks offers his advice to make that money last
Read more
The etymology behind 4 eggs-ellent Springtime words
We’ve explored the diverse etymology of 4 eggs-ellent words associated with spring.
Read more
Up Lit, Alexa Laugh & Meet Me at McDonald’s Hair: March’s Words In The News
Catch up on the latest words in the news this March with Robert Groves.
Read more
Join the Collins community
All the latest wordy news, linguistic insights, offers and competitions every month.
Read more