self-possessed
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- self-possessedly adverb
- self-possession noun
- unself-possessed adjective
Etymology
Origin of self-possessed
First recorded in 1760–70
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 even more welcome addition to our already bulging shelves is the belated arrival of a largely complete studio discography of Britain’s greatest conductor, and certainly its most self-possessed: the musical grandee Sir Thomas Beecham.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025
He unabashedly leans into that vibe here, even while wrangling his pair of self-possessed cats.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025
My wise, self-possessed, inspirational friend says, “Cultivate your happy,” to balance the scales.
From Salon • Sep. 12, 2024
Through the school office she arranged to buy the piece for $250, and she soon became friendly with Ms. Mackler, a brassy, self-possessed presence at the school.
From New York Times • Feb. 2, 2024
It took a courageous and self-possessed woman to take such a step.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
