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

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

From Los Angeles Times

But she’s earning bank by sending a message of self-respect to her audience.

From Salon

I think the founding fathers assumed that people would have more ambition and self-respect than any Republican in Congress has managed to muster so far.

From Salon

This comes into sharpest focus when you examine their crash-and-burn business ventures — each one a Hail Mary pass toward self-respect, status, or at least passive income.

From Salon

Getting a handout ate into my pride, my sense of independence and my self-respect.

From Salon

Related Words

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