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self-realization

American  
[self-ree-uh-luh-zey-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlfˌri ə ləˈzeɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

  1. the fulfillment of one's potential.


self-realization British  

noun

  1. the realization or fulfilment of one's own potential or abilities

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of self-realization

First recorded in 1870–75

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.

And while it may be dangerous to attribute specific emotions to an animal, it is fair to say that, at least on a physical level, a kind of self-realization was occurring.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2025

The story symbolized women’s self-realization and freedom to confront “this huge masculine icon — the bridge,” she explained.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 13, 2024

Trapped in this binary, Shields failed to crystallize her identity until college, and the film’s second half traces her road to self-realization thereafter.

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2023

In the natural-law tradition, self-realization is not individual but rather that of a person-in-community whose personal good necessarily includes the common good.

From Washington Post • Jan. 11, 2023

Again; we, Christians, look forward to a complete self-realization, to a perfect manhood and a full rounded character as our ideal.

From India's Problem, Krishna or Christ by Jones, John P. (John Peter)

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