self-knowledge

American  

[self-nol-ij, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈnɒl ɪdʒ, ˈsɛlf- /

noun

1. knowledge or understanding of oneself, one's character, abilities, motives, etc.

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self-knowledge British  

noun

1. knowledge of one's own character, etc

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Etymology

Origin of self-knowledge

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

In time, he is undone by his utter lack of self-knowledge.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

It is impossible to quantify the vital role that the NEH has played in our national search for meaning and self-knowledge, but the endowment’s website begins to tell the story.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2025

Insight refers to a self-knowledge and understanding of how thoughts and feelings participate in shaping our perception -- and how to transform unhelpful patterns of thought relating to ourselves and the world.

From Science Daily • Dec. 1, 2023

After getting dumped by her girlfriend and fired from her job at a Manhattan bookstore that sounds a lot like the Strand, she heads west in search of self-knowledge.

From New York Times • Jun. 22, 2023

I have one outstanding character trait that must be obvious to anyone who’s known me for any length of time: I have a great deal of self-knowledge.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank