self-respect
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
- self-respectful adjective
- self-respecting adjective
Etymology
Origin of self-respect
First recorded in 1605–15
Explanation
When you feel proud of yourself, you have self-respect. If you act in an unfair or unkind way toward someone else, you might lose your self-respect. Things that make you feel good about the kind of person you are are great for building self-respect. If you cheat on a test, you're likely to lose some of that self-respect, but you may be able to regain it by admitting what you did to your teacher and making amends. You can also use the words dignity or self-worth.
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.
She said Atkins' behaviour "totally eroded my self-respect and my self-esteem".
From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026
We found ourselves talking to our daughters about handling such interactions with self-respect, dignity and empathy—and avoiding their unhealthy opposites.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025
How do I keep my self-respect and continue to communicate with him?
From MarketWatch • Oct. 9, 2025
But she’s earning bank by sending a message of self-respect to her audience.
From Salon • Aug. 28, 2025
The Negro writers and artists regarded Malcolm as the great catalyst, the man who inspired self-respect and devotion in the downtrodden millions.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
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.
