soul-searching
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A deep and honest examination of one's own thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and motivations, often undertaken during a period of doubt or when facing a difficult decision.
Usage
This word is used as a singular, uncountable noun. It describes the process or activity of introspection. - It is often preceded by verbs like do, engage in, or undertake. - It can be modified by adjectives like deep, honest, painful, or much-needed.
Examples
- After losing the election, the candidate began a period of soul-searching to understand what went wrong.
- Her career change was preceded by months of intense soul-searching.
- The scandal forced the organization into some serious soul-searching about its ethical standards.
Advanced Usage
- "A bout of soul-searching": A specific, often intense, period of self-examination.
- His failure prompted a long bout of soul-searching.
- "Soul-searching question": A question that prompts deep introspection.
- "What is my true purpose?" is a soul-searching question.
Variants and Related Words
- Introspection (n): The examination of one's own mental and emotional processes. (More formal and clinical than ).
- Self-reflection (n): Serious thought about one's character and actions. (Similar in meaning but can be less intense).
- Soul-searcher (n): A person who engages in soul-searching. (Less common).
Synonyms
- Soul-searching is the most specific term. Near synonyms include:
- Introspection
- Self-examination
- Heart-searching (chiefly British English)
Related Phrases
- Search one's soul: The verb phrase from which the noun is derived.
- He spent the night searching his soul for an answer.
- Look within: A simpler phrase meaning to examine one's own feelings.
- You need to look within to find the truth.
Related Idioms
- Examine one's conscience: To think honestly about whether one's actions are right or wrong. (Has a stronger moral or ethical dimension than ).
- The judge advised the jury to examine their consciences before reaching a verdict.
Noun
- a penetrating examination of your own beliefs and motives