self-discovery

American  

[self-di-skuhv-uh-ree] / ˌsɛlf dɪˈskʌv ə ri /

noun

1. the act or process of coming to recognize and understand one’s own assumptions, priorities, behavior, strengths and weaknesses, etc..

   College is a time of self-discovery and formation for students.

   Decades of suffering and years of therapy culminated in this emotional moment of self-discovery and forgiveness.

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Etymology

Origin of self-discovery

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

Taking care of one’s vehicle was more than a dreary obligation, Muir’s book advised; it could be a route to self-discovery as well.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

The absurdity of this journey of self-discovery has crept on me often.

From Slate • Sep. 5, 2025

The showcase, which explores the show’s core themes including sisterhood, ambition and self-discovery through photography, sculpture, paintings, an installation and more, will be on display from Friday through Sunday at the Line Hotel in Koreatown.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2025

So by the end of the documentary, which has many comical moments, we see it has been something of a realistic journey of self-discovery for all of the men, including Hao.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2025

The exploration of the Cosmos is a voyage of self-discovery.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan