Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person's essential being that distinguishes them from others: The "self" refers to the distinct identity, personality, or consciousness of an individual.
   • A person considered as a unique individual: It can refer to the totality of a person's physical and mental attributes, especially as perceived by that person.
   • One's own interests or welfare: In some contexts, "self" can refer to a focus on one's own advantage or pleasure.

2. Adjective:

   • (Used as a combining form) Of, by, to, from, or for the self or itself: When used as a prefix, "self-" forms adjectives and nouns that describe something directed at, performed by, or originating from oneself.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She is searching for her true self. (She is trying to discover her real identity and personality.)
  • He looked after his own self. (He took care of his own interests and well-being.)
  • The accident changed my whole self. (The accident altered my entire being or personality.)

• Adjective (as a combining form):

  • He is a self-proclaimed expert. (He declared himself to be an expert.)
  • She showed great self-control. (She demonstrated great control over her own emotions or actions.)

Advanced Usage

• "One's former self": Refers to the person one was in the past, often implying a significant change.

  • After his recovery, he was a shadow of his former self. (He was much weaker or less vibrant than he used to be.)

• "One's better self": Refers to the part of one's character that is morally good or noble.

  • His better self told him to apologize. (His conscience or moral sense urged him to apologize.)

• "Second self": A very close friend or constant companion; an alter ego.

  • His assistant was his second self. (His assistant was his closest and most trusted companion.)

Variants and Related Words

• Selfish (adj): Concerned chiefly or excessively with oneself and one's own advantage.
  • It was a selfish decision.
• Selfless (adj): Concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own.
  • She was admired for her selfless devotion.
• Selfhood (n): The quality that constitutes one's individuality; the state of having an individual identity.
  • The book explores themes of identity and selfhood.

Synonyms

• Noun: Ego, identity, person, individuality, being.
• Adjective (combining form): Auto- (as in ), own.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Self-destruct: To destroy oneself or itself.
  • The device is programmed to self-destruct.
• Self-identify: To categorize oneself as belonging to a particular group.
  • She self-identifies as an artist.

Related Idioms

• To be beside oneself: To be in a state of extreme emotional agitation.
  • She was beside herself with worry.
• To be full of oneself: To be very conceited or self-centered.
  • He's so full of himself since he got promoted.
• To be a shadow of one's former self: To be much less capable, strong, or healthy than one once was.
  • After the illness, he was just a shadow of his former self.

Adjective

1. (used as a combining form) relating to--of or by or to or from or for--the self
   • self-knowledge
   • self-proclaimed
   • self-induced

Noun

1. a person considered as a unique individual
   • one's own self
2. your consciousness of your own identity