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
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).
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.