Origin of self

before 900; Middle English; Old English self, selfa; cognate with Dutch zelf, German selb-, Old Norse sjalfr, Gothic silba

Words nearby self

seleucia, seleucid, seleucidan, seleucus, seleucus i, self, self-, self-abandoned, self-abandonment, self-abasement, self-abnegation

Definition for self (2 of 2)

self-

a combining form of self and variously used with the meanings “of the self” (self-analysis) and “by oneself or itself” (self-appointed); and with the meanings “to, with, toward, for, on, in oneself” (self-complacent), “inherent in oneself or itself” (self-explanatory), “independent” (self-government), and “automatic” (self-operating).

Words related to self

myself, character, individuality, person, ego, identity, personality, automatic, ascetic, narcissism, personal, egocentrism, psyche, individual, substantive, individualization, autonomous, narcissistic, subjective, autogenous

Example sentences from the Web for self

British Dictionary definitions for self (1 of 2)

self
/ (sɛlf) /

noun plural selves (sɛlvz)

pronoun

not standard myself, yourself, etc seats for self and wife

adjective

of the same colour or material a dress with a self belt See also self-coloured
obsolete the same

Word Origin for self

Old English seolf; related to Old Norse sjālfr, Gothic silba, Old High German selb

British Dictionary definitions for self (2 of 2)

self-

combining form

of oneself or itself self-defence; self-rule
by, to, in, due to, for, or from the self self-employed; self-inflicted; self-respect
automatic or automatically self-propelled

Medical definitions for self

self
[ sĕlf ]

n. pl. selves (sĕlz)

The total, essential, or particular being of a person; the individual.
One's consciousness of one's own being or identity; the ego.
That which the immune system identifies as belonging to the body.