Definition

1. 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

1. designated or chosen by yourself
   • a self-appointed guardian of public morals