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

See Examples For:

self-discovery

Over the last decade, I’ve gone through a lot of self-discovery, both in my identity and in my art.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

"Music, as with any creative process, is also a way of self-discovery... coming to terms with things you've done and hopefully changing for the better".

From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026

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

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan