self-appointed
/'selfə'pɔintid/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Designated or chosen by oneself, without external authorization: Describes a person who assumes a role, title, or responsibility on their own initiative, without being formally elected, appointed, or asked by others.
Usage
The adjective "self-appointed" is typically used before a noun to describe the person or group. It often carries a neutral or slightly critical connotation, implying that the authority or role was taken without official sanction or broad agreement.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The self-appointed leader of the group had no formal authority but everyone followed him.
- She became the self-appointed expert on local history after reading a few books.
- A self-appointed committee of residents tried to address the neighborhood's issues.
Advanced Usage
- "self-appointed as": Used to specify the role someone has taken.
- He self-appointed himself as the team's spokesperson, much to everyone's surprise.
Variants and Related Words
- Self-proclaimed (adj): Announced or declared by oneself, often without proof. While similar, "self-proclaimed" is broader and can apply to titles (e.g., genius, expert), whereas "self-appointed" specifically implies assuming a functional role or duty.
- He was a self-proclaimed genius, but also the self-appointed organizer of the project.
Synonyms
- Self-designated: Chosen or named by oneself.
- Unauthorized: Not having official permission or approval (emphasizes the lack of authority rather than the self-selection).
Antonyms
- Elected: Chosen by vote.
- Appointed: Selected or assigned by an authority.
- Formally recognized: Officially acknowledged.
Idioms and Phrases
- A self-appointed guardian/critic/expert: A common collocation highlighting the assumed role.
- He acted as a self-appointed guardian of public morals, criticizing everyone's behavior.
Adjective
- designated or chosen by yourself
- a self-appointed guardian of public morals