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

See Examples For:

self-discovery

"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

Rockwell’s Jane and Redmond’s Petunia, while conceived in more flamboyant comic terms, are granted their own moments of self-discovery.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 14, 2025

I laughed, deep, deep inside me, giddy with the delight of self-discovery and the desire to hide it.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison