self-
|self|
/sɛlf/
of oneself; own
Etymology
'self' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'self', ultimately from Proto-Germanic '*selbaz' meaning 'one's own' or 'the same'.
'self' developed from Proto-Germanic '*selbaz' into Old English 'self', and from that form entered Middle English and modern English, where it is used both as an independent word and as a combining form 'self-'.
Initially it referred to 'the person himself/herself' or 'the same', and over time it also became a productive prefix forming compounds meaning 'of or relating to oneself' (e.g., self-control, self-taught).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the person, individual, or identity regarded as a distinct entity (often used without the hyphen as 'self').
He found a new sense of self after the experience.
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Particle 1
a combining form (prefix) used to form compounds meaning 'of or relating to oneself', 'by oneself', or 'own'. It attaches to nouns, adjectives, and participles to make words like self-esteem, self-taught, self-reliant.
She has high self-esteem and is largely self-reliant.
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Last updated: 2026/01/06 13:05