Origin of self

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

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.