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.

---

Etymology

Origin of self-discovery

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

Artist Gustavo Zermeño Jr. created a mural in Gardena honoring U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu, inspired not only by her Olympic gold medals but her personal journey of self-discovery.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

Despite the huge variety, they're all about journeys of self-discovery and the appreciation of what's important in life.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2025

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 Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, is wrapping up his three-album journey of self-discovery and annihilation with the release of his sixth studio album, "Hurry Up Tomorrow."

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2025

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

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan