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self-identification

American  
[self-ahy-den-tuh-fi-key-shuhn, -i-den-, self-] / ˈsɛlf aɪˌdɛn tə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən, -ɪˌdɛn-, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

  1. identification of oneself with some other person or thing.


Etymology

Origin of self-identification

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

An alleged victim’s self-identification as such, Mr. Clayton told the judges, is all that is required for the department to conceal records on her behalf or remove records entirely.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

But the profound cultural shift regarding public and private spheres is, at its core, about self-identification.

From Slate • Sep. 10, 2025

"I seemed weak and evasive. Worst of all, I sounded like I didn't have the courage to stand behind the logical conclusion of the self-identification system we had just legislated for," she writes.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2025

"I started to learn what misogyny was, and I started to learn what patriarchy was," Schneider explained about her move from the religious right to her current self-identification as a moderate.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2024

Her remarkable power of self-identification with the character set before her was, in this case, aided by person and voice.

From Great Singers, Second Series Malibran To Titiens by Ferris, George T. (George Titus)

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