self-respect

[self-ri-spekt, self-]

noun

1. proper esteem or regard for the dignity of one's character.

self-respect

noun

1. a proper sense of one's own dignity and integrity

Other Word Forms

• self-respectful adjective
• self-respecting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-respect¹

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

In all of this, Mr. Easterly is firm in his belief that the way forward lies in a marriage of market economics and attention to self-respect.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Theoretically, the result would be both well-earning livelihoods and self-respect for people who had pulled themselves out of poverty.

Read more on Salon

How do I keep my self-respect and continue to communicate with him?

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Casualties are extensive, and may include the last vestiges of this nation’s dignity and self-respect.

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How does “the papa,” the upholder of tradition, as the musical’s opening number spells out, maintain his self-respect, if not his authority?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dignity 
• pride 
• self-assurance 
• self-confidence 
• self-esteem 
• self-worth