self-conscious
|self/con/scious|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌsɛlfˈkɑnʃəs/
🇬🇧
/ˌsɛlfˈkɒnʃəs/
aware of oneself
Etymology
Etymology Information
'self-conscious' originates from the combination of 'self' and 'conscious,' where 'self' refers to one's own person and 'conscious' means aware.
Historical Evolution
'self-conscious' evolved from the combination of 'self' and 'conscious' in the 18th century, reflecting the growing interest in individualism and self-awareness.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'aware of oneself,' but over time it evolved to include the sense of being overly aware or embarrassed about oneself.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
aware of oneself as an individual or of one's own being, actions, or thoughts.
She felt self-conscious about her new haircut.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45