self-discovery

American  

[self-di-skuhv-uh-ree] / ˌsɛlf dɪˈskʌv ə ri /

noun

1. the act or process of coming to recognize and understand one’s own assumptions, priorities, behavior, strengths and weaknesses, etc..

   College is a time of self-discovery and formation for students.

   Decades of suffering and years of therapy culminated in this emotional moment of self-discovery and forgiveness.

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Etymology

Origin of self-discovery

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

self-discovery

Heller McAlpin writes that this dual story of self-discovery yields an “affecting, open-ended adventure.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

Taking care of one’s vehicle was more than a dreary obligation, Muir’s book advised; it could be a route to self-discovery as well.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 5, 2025

The absurdity of this journey of self-discovery has crept on me often.

From Slate ● Sep. 5, 2025

So begins a journey of self-discovery reminiscent of Hermann Hesse’s “Siddhartha,” whom April read as a promising high schooler.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2025

I laughed, deep, deep inside me, giddy with the delight of self-discovery and the desire to hide it.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison