sense of self

American  

noun

plural

senses of self

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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Example Sentences

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

"When we hug, the combination of tactile and thermal signals increases our sense of body ownership, so we are more connected to our embodied sense of self," says Dr. Crucianelli.

From Science Daily • Jan. 4, 2026

A disaster like the Palisades fire burns your entire way of life, your community, your sense of self.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

Thompson: Not having your sense of self or identity entangled in this other self that belongs to the public seems like such a healthy thing.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

What Volpe’s students gain from him is a passion and sense of self unrelated to anything having to do with money, power, or status.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove