sense of self

American  

noun

senses of self plural

1. a person's awareness of being an individual distinct from others.

2. an idea or conception of one's own identity and value.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• senses of self
  plural

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sense of self

It makes me wonder if what makes a boy’s mother a Boy Mom is a sense of self that requires the consistent validation of being needed.

From Salon ● Jun. 4, 2026

It was Clouseau, or whichever character he was playing, who was trying to maintain his dignity and failing miserably but trying to hold on to a sense of self and composure while everything is crumbling.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 9, 2026

We are sucked into our own ideological comfort zones and when we stray outside it's a shock to the system, and often our sense of self.

From BBC ● Mar. 7, 2026

People affected by these conditions may feel disconnected from their own bodies or experience a weakened sense of self.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 4, 2026

I went calmly forward, holding the heavy case but moving with a certain new sense of self, and with it a feeling almost of relief, almost of a sigh.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison