How Do You Spell SELF?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛlf] (IPA)

The word "self" is spelled with four letters, "s", "e", "l", and "f". Its IPA phonetic transcription is /sɛlf/. The "s" sound is a voiceless alveolar fricative, the "e" sound is a short lax vowel, the "l" sound is a voiced alveolar lateral approximant, and the "f" sound is a voiceless labiodental fricative. This simple word is a fundamental part of the English language, referring to one's own individuality and identity.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
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SELF Meaning and Definition

  1. Self is a noun that refers to the individual, unique and distinct identity or essence of a person. It encompasses an individual's thoughts, feelings, desires, and beliefs, along with their inherent characteristics and qualities that contribute to their sense of identity.

    The concept of self is deeply rooted in psychology and philosophy, exploring the nature of human consciousness and individuality. It reflects the innermost core of a person, representing their self-awareness, perception of their own being, and the understanding of their place in the world.

    The understanding of self is subjective and can vary among individuals, as it is shaped by a multitude of factors including cultural, social, and personal experiences. It is through self-reflection and introspection that one gains a deeper comprehension of their own self.

    The self is often expressed through one's behavior and actions, as individuals strive to assert their unique identity, make choices, and pursue their goals and aspirations. It is a complex construct that encompasses both physical and psychological aspects, along with one's sense of autonomy, agency, and self-determination.

    Furthermore, self is an integral part of interpersonal relationships, as individuals interact with others based on their self-perception and seek validation and understanding from the outside world. It is through these interactions that the self is constantly shaped and contextualized, influencing one's beliefs, values, and attitudes.

    Ultimately, understanding and embracing one's self is a lifelong journey that involves self-acceptance, self-actualization, and self-growth, allowing individuals to develop a strong sense of identity and live fulfilling lives.

Top Common Misspellings for SELF *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SELF

Etymology of SELF

The word "self" originates from the Old English word "sylf", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*selbaz". Its deeper etymology is uncertain, but some suggest a possible connection to the Proto-Indo-European root "*sel" meaning "of oneself" or "from oneself". The word "self" has undergone various changes and developments through Old Norse and Middle English before evolving into its current form in Modern English.

Idioms with the word SELF

  • a shadow of (one's) former self The idiom "a shadow of one's former self" is used to describe someone or something that has greatly changed in appearance, ability, or character, often implying a significant decline or deterioration. It implies that the person or thing being referred to has lost the qualities or characteristics they once possessed, making them a mere resemblance or faint reflection of their previous state.
  • be a shadow of (someone or something's) former self The idiom "be a shadow of (someone or something's) former self" means that someone or something is not as good, successful, or strong as they used to be. It implies a noticeable decline in qualities, abilities, or achievements compared to a previous state.
  • be a shadow/ghost of your/its former self The idiom "be a shadow/ghost of your/its former self" refers to something or someone that has significantly declined in quality, power, or efficiency compared to how it used to be. It implies that the present state or condition is only a faint or weak remnant of its previous state, often indicating a loss of vitality or effectiveness.
  • be a shadow of your former self The idiom "be a shadow of your former self" means that someone or something, usually a person, has declined in ability, strength, appearance, or vitality compared to their previous state. It suggests that the individual or thing has lost qualities or characteristics that once defined them, or has become a diminished version of what they used to be.
  • be a ghost of (someone or something's) former self The idiom "be a ghost of (someone or something's) former self" means that someone or something has greatly declined in their quality, appearance, or ability to perform compared to how they were in the past. It suggests a stark contrast between the present state and the way they used to be, emphasizing a loss of vitality, vigor, or success.
  • shadow of (one's) former self The idiom "shadow of (one's) former self" refers to a person who has significantly changed or deteriorated from how they used to be, usually in terms of appearance, abilities, or overall strength. It implies that the person is no longer as impressive, influential, or capable as they once were, and suggests a decline in their overall quality or performance.
  • shadow of one's self The idiom "shadow of one's self" refers to a state where someone appears or feels significantly different, usually due to a decline in physical or emotional well-being. It suggests that the person is not as vibrant, energetic, or confident as they used to be, displaying a diminished version of their former self.
  • be a shadow/ghost of your former self The idiom "be a shadow/ghost of your former self" means to have drastically changed in appearance, abilities, or qualities to the point where you are significantly diminished or less impressive than you used to be. It implies a sharp decline or deterioration from one's past state or performance.
  • a shadow of your/its former self The idiom "a shadow of your/its former self" is used to describe something or someone that has significantly declined or deteriorated in quality, strength, effectiveness, or reputation compared to what they used to be. It implies that the current state or condition is just a faint or diminished remnant of its previous state or glory.
  • unto thine own self be true The idiom "unto thine own self be true" means to be honest and authentic with oneself, to remain loyal to one's own principles, beliefs, and values despite external influences or pressures. It emphasizes the importance of self-identity and self-acceptance. It originates from William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," where the character Polonius advises his son Laertes to stay true to his own character and not be swayed by others.
  • a shadow of your former self The idiom "a shadow of your former self" is used to describe someone who is not as strong, healthy, talented, successful, or confident as they once were. It implies that the person has significantly deteriorated or declined in some way compared to their previous state.
  • expose (one)self To reveal or make known one's true thoughts, feelings, intentions, or identity, often unexpectedly or inappropriately.
  • deny (one)self To suppress or ignore one's own desires, needs, or pleasures; to refrain from indulging in something.
  • feel (like) (one)self To feel normal, healthy, or balanced after a period of illness, stress, or discomfort.
  • draw (one)self up The idiom "draw (one)self up" means to straighten one's posture or position in order to appear dignified, confident, or authoritative.
  • self-care Self-care refers to the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This can include activities such as exercising, eating well, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed.
  • be a law unto (one)self To be a law unto oneself means to act independently and according to one's own rules and principles, without needing to follow the laws or expectations of others.
  • outsmart (one)self The idiom "outsmart (one)self" means to inadvertently or mistakenly defeat or outwit oneself by overthinking a situation or making a decision that ultimately backfires.
  • kill (one)self To work very hard or put in a lot of effort.
  • scratch for (one)self To fend for oneself; to try to survive or succeed without assistance from others.
  • speak for (one)self To speak for oneself means to express one's own opinions or feelings rather than assuming or claiming to speak for someone else. It is a reminder to only communicate personal thoughts and not generalize or make assumptions on behalf of others.
  • assert (one)self To assert oneself means to confidently and forcefully express one's opinions, ideas, or feelings in order to establish authority or dominance in a situation.
  • in a class by (one)self "In a class by (one)self" is an idiom used to describe someone or something that is superior or exceptional compared to others in the same category or group. It implies that the person or thing stands out and is in a league of their own.
  • self-made man A self-made man is a person who has become successful or wealthy through their own hard work and determination, rather than through inheritance or help from others.
  • by (one)self "By (one)self" is an idiom that means doing something alone or independently, without the help or presence of others.
  • redeem (one)self To do something good in order to make up for a past mistake or wrong action; to regain one's reputation or honor by doing something positive or commendable.
  • screw (one)self up to concert pitch To prepare oneself to the highest level of performance or readiness, often through intense effort or focus.
  • top (one)self To "top oneself" means to commit suicide.
  • drown in self-pity To be overwhelmed by feelings of sorrow or self-pity, often to the point of being unable to see things in a more positive light or take constructive action.
  • shit (one)self The idiom "shit (one)self" means to become extremely frightened or scared to the point of losing control over one's bodily functions. It is often used humorously or hyperbolically to describe a moment of intense fear or anxiety.
  • bear (one)self The idiom "bear (one)self" means to conduct oneself in a certain manner or to handle a situation or experience in a particular way. It can also refer to acknowledging and accepting responsibility for one's actions or emotions.

Similar spelling words for SELF

Plural form of SELF is SELVES

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