self-concept

American  

[self-kon-sept, self-] / ˈsɛlfˈkɒn sɛpt, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. the idea or mental image one has of oneself and one's strengths, weaknesses, status, etc.; self-image.

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self-concept British  

noun

1. psychol the whole set of attitudes, opinions, and cognitions that a person has of himself

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Etymology

Origin of self-concept

First recorded in 1890–95; self- ( def. ) + concept ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

self-concept

Being told you’re weak is a claim about identity, and the people in C-suites have built their self-concept around competence and resolve.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

While there is evidence we can change some elements of our self-concept, other aspects of our sense of self are harder to access.

From Salon ● May 26, 2025

This self-concept emerges during the second year of life, as evidenced for instance by children recognizing themselves in the mirror.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 27, 2024

Whitaker also credits the show’s wardrobe department with tailoring a sartorial identity befitting the gangster’s self-concept.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2023

They resuscitated a self-concept that languished each day in being cognizant of her own babbling in this north-of-the-border language.

From Tokyo to Tijuana: Gabriele Departing America by Steven (Steven David Justin) Sills

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