self-image

American  

[self-im-ij] / ˈsɛlfˈɪm ɪdʒ /

noun

1. the idea, conception, or mental image one has of oneself.

---

self-image British  

noun

1. one's own idea of oneself or sense of one's worth

---

Etymology

Origin of self-image

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

The discovery by the Caltech scientist, Haagy, profoundly altered the future of public health, of California, of cars, and of L.A.’s self-image and identity.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Like their hero, the only masculine strength they seem interested in is the kind performed for cameras, far away from real-world challenges that might easily defeat their self-image as the mightiest of men.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

Mr. Fetterman’s candor about his self-image, self-doubt, even self-loathing, and the awkward angles from which his 6-foot-8-inch frame views the world, can be startling at times.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

These downturns would create cracks in anyone’s self-esteem, but for people with NPD, the newly created cognitive dissonance between their self-image and the setback can beget a personality crisis.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2025

The self-image of the corps was remade, partly in the hope that a “professional” could command higher pay.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover