sense of self
Americannoun
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a person's awareness of being an individual distinct from others.
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an idea or conception of one's own identity and value.
Other Word Forms
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.
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
Having always played up one or more levels on club teams, sometimes alongside boys, Brewer developed a strong sense of self.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025
Feelings of unease or questioning one's sense of self are not necessarily signs of harm but rather potential aspects of deep psychological exploration.
From Science Daily • Nov. 5, 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
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.
