amour-propre
amour-propre (noun) - Self-esteem or self-regard: "amour-propre" refers to a person's sense of their own worth or dignity, often involving pride or a desire for respect from others. It is a French term adopted into English, emphasizing a nuanced, sometimes defensive form of self-love.
- (His words hurt her sense of personal pride.)
- (His self-regard made him unwilling to show vulnerability.)
- (A balanced sense of self-worth is important.)
"amour-propre" vs. "self-esteem": "amour-propre" often implies a more fragile or socially sensitive pride, tied to how one is perceived by others, whereas "self-esteem" can be more internal and stable.
- Her amour-propre was easily bruised by public criticism, though her private self-esteem remained intact. (Her public pride was vulnerable, but her inner confidence was strong.)
In philosophical contexts: The term is used in discussions of human nature, especially in the works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who contrasted "amour-propre" (self-love based on comparison with others) with "amour de soi" (natural self-preservation).
- Rousseau argued that amour-propre is a source of social conflict. (He believed it drives competition and vanity.)
- Amour de soi (noun phrase): a French term meaning "self-love" in a natural, non-competitive sense.
- Rousseau distinguished amour de soi from amour-propre. (He saw the former as healthy, the latter as problematic.)
- Self-respect: a proper regard for oneself as a human being.
- Pride: a feeling of satisfaction derived from one's achievements or qualities.
- Vanity: excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements (often a negative connotation).
"Wound someone's amour-propre": to hurt someone's pride or self-esteem.
- The criticism wounded his amour-propre deeply. (It damaged his sense of self-worth.)
"A matter of amour-propre": an issue concerning one's pride or dignity.
- For him, apologizing was a matter of amour-propre. (He saw it as a threat to his self-regard.)