Self

Definition

The word "self" primarily refers to (1) the individual’s consciousness of identity and personal experience (noun), (2) a person or thing considered as an individual entity, often used reflexively (pronoun, archaic), and (3) a formative element in compounds meaning “of oneself” or “automatically” (prefix, as in self‑driven).

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Pronoun (archaic/poetic)
• Prefix (bound morpheme)
• Adjective (attributive, e.g., “self control” in older style)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɛlf/
• Respelling: SELF

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɛlf/
• Respelling: SELF

Etymology

"Self" descends from Old English self / seolf meaning “same, identical, one’s own person,” ultimately from Proto‑Germanic *selbaz “same.” Cognates appear in Old High German selb, Old Norse sjálfr, and Gothic silba. Its philosophical sense “individual personality” is attested in English since the early 13th century.

Derivatives

• Selfhood (noun)
• Selfish (adjective)
• Self‑esteem (noun, compound)
• Self‑awareness (noun, compound)
• Self‑reflection (noun, compound)

Synonyms

• Identity
• Ego
• Personhood
• Individuality

Antonyms

• Other
• Alterity
• Non‑self

Usage

"Self" is central in psychology, philosophy, and everyday language. Examples: "Meditation fosters a deeper sense of self," "He is not quite his usual self today," or "The machine is self‑cleaning."

Related Terms

• Ego: The conscious thinking part of the personality in psychoanalytic theory.
• Persona: The aspect of someone’s character that is presented to others.
• Autonomy: Self‑government; freedom from external influence or control.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The identity, personality, or essential being of a person: Refers to one’s own conscious awareness and sense of individuality.
  • Example: "Travel can broaden the self through new experiences."
• One’s normal or healthy condition (often with possessive pronoun): Indicates habitual state or typical demeanor.
  • Example: "After resting, she felt like her old self again."
• A person or thing regarded as an individual unit: Emphasizes separateness from others.
  • Example: "The sculpture seemed to have a life of its own, a self distinct from the artist."

Pronoun (Archaic/Poetic)

• Same; identical person previously mentioned: Now largely replaced by “himself,” “herself,” etc.
  • Example: "He did it self." (obsolete usage)

Prefix

• Indicating that the subject acts upon or by itself; automatic; without external aid:
  • Example: "Self‑propelled vehicles reduce manual effort."

Verb (Rare, chiefly Scot.)

• To satisfy or indulge oneself: Historic dialect usage, now extremely uncommon.
  • Example: "He would self with small comforts amid hardship."