self-depreciation
/'selfdi,pri:ʃi'eiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A feeling of being of little worth: The act or habit of undervaluing oneself; a tendency to belittle or disparage one's own abilities, qualities, or worth.
Usage
Self-depreciation is used to describe a critical and negative attitude a person holds toward their own value or capabilities. It often manifests in speech or behavior where an individual minimizes their achievements or attributes. It is a formal term related to concepts of self-esteem and self-perception.
Examples
- Her constant self-depreciation made it difficult for others to compliment her genuine accomplishments.
- The interview was marred by his excessive self-depreciation, which undermined the confidence of the hiring panel.
- While humility is a virtue, chronic self-depreciation can be harmful to one's mental health.
Advanced Usage
- Psychological Context: In psychology, persistent self-depreciation is often discussed as a symptom or feature of conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.
- Rhetorical Device: In a more specific, often humorous context, a form of self-depreciation can be used intentionally as a rhetorical strategy to appear modest, relatable, or to disarm criticism.
Variants and Related Words
- Self-deprecating (adj): Characterized by belittling or undervaluing oneself. (e.g., )
- Self-deprecation (noun): Often used interchangeably with , though is more commonly used, especially for humor. (e.g., )
- Self-depreciatory (adj): Serving to depreciate oneself. (A less common variant.)
Synonyms
- Self-disparagement
- Self-belittlement
- Lack of self-esteem
- Inferiority complex (a more clinical term for a deep-seated feeling)
Antonyms
- Self-confidence
- Self-assurance
- Self-esteem
- Pride
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To sell oneself short: To undervalue one's own skills or worth, closely related to the concept of self-depreciation.
- You have a great portfolio; don't sell yourself short in the negotiation.
Noun
- a feeling of being of little worth