self-appointed
|self-ap-point-ed|
/ˌsɛlfəˈpɔɪntɪd/
taking a role without authority
Etymology
'self-appointed' originates from English, specifically a compound of 'self' and the past participle 'appointed', where 'self' traces to Old English 'self/sylf' meaning 'oneself' and 'appoint' comes from Old French 'apointer'.
'appoint' changed from the Latin element 'adponere' ('ad-' + 'ponere') into Old French 'apointer', entered Middle English as 'appointen'/'appoint', and the compound of 'self' + the past participle eventually became the modern English word 'self-appointed'.
Initially it carried the literal idea of being 'appointed by oneself'; over time it evolved to the current sense of 'having assumed a role or title without official authority'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having appointed oneself to a position or role without official authority; assuming a title, office, or status unilaterally.
He is a self-appointed expert on the subject.
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Adjective 2
describing a group, committee, or designation assumed by the individuals themselves rather than being officially assigned or authorized.
The self-appointed committee issued its report.
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Last updated: 2025/10/19 10:34