First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1self
pronoun \ˈself, Southern also ˈsef\
Definition of SELF

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Origin of SELF
Middle English (intensive pron.), from Old English; akin to Old High German selb, intensive pron., and probably to Latin suus one's own — more at suicide
2self
adjective
Definition of SELF
2
obsolete : belonging to oneself : own
3
a : having a single character or quality throughout; specifically : having one color only <a self flower> b : of the same kind (as in color, material, or pattern) as something with which it is used <self trimming>
First Known Use of SELF
before 12th century
Related to SELF
- Synonyms
- monochrome, monochromic, monochromatic, self-colored, solid
- Antonyms
- chromatic, colorful, kaleidoscopic, motley, multicolored, polychromatic, polychrome, rainbow, varicolored, varied, variegated
3self
noun
: the person that someone normally or truly is
: a particular part of your personality or character that is shown in a particular situation
: the personality or character that makes a person different from other people : the combination of emotions, thoughts, feelings, etc., that make a person different from others
plural selves \ˈselvz, Southern also ˈsevz\
Full Definition of SELF
1
a : the entire person of an individual b : the realization or embodiment of an abstraction
2
a (1) : an individual's typical character or behavior <her true self was revealed> (2) : an individual's temporary behavior or character <his better self> b : a person in prime condition <feel like my old self today>
3
: the union of elements (as body, emotions, thoughts, and sensations) that constitute the individuality and identity of a person
4
: personal interest or advantage
5
: material that is part of an individual organism <ability of the immune system to distinguish self from nonself>
See self defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SELF
13th century
Related to SELF
- Synonyms
- character, clay, colors, complexion, constitution, genius, personality, nature, tone
Other Psychology Terms
4self
verb
Definition of SELF
transitive verb1
: inbreed
2
: to pollinate with pollen from the same flower or plant
intransitive verb
: to undergo self-pollination
First Known Use of SELF
1905
SELF Defined for Kids
self
noun \ˈself\
plural selves \ˈselvz\
Definition of SELF for Kids
1
: a person regarded as an individual apart from everyone else
2
: a special side of a person's character <He isn't his cheerful self today.>
Medical Dictionary
self
noun \ˈself\
plural selves \ˈselvz\
Medical Definition of SELF
1
: the union of elements (as body, emotions, thoughts, and sensations) that constitute the individuality and identity of a person
2
: material that is part of an individual organism <ability of the immune system to distinguish self from nonself>
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