self-given
|self-giv-en|
🇺🇸
/ˌsɛlfˈɡɪvən/
🇬🇧
/ˌsɛlfˈɡɪv(ə)n/
given by oneself
Etymology
'self-given' originates from English, specifically the words 'self' and 'given', where 'self' meant 'one's own' and 'give' (in the past-participle form 'given') meant 'to grant or bestow'.
'self' comes from Old English 'self' meaning 'one's own'; 'give' comes from Old English 'giefan'/'gifan' (Proto-Germanic *gebaną), and its past participle developed into 'given' in Middle English, combining to form the compound 'self-given' in modern English.
Initially the components meant 'one's own' and 'to grant'; together they originally conveyed 'granted by oneself' and this basic meaning has remained stable, with an added sense of 'self-assumed' or 'self-appointed' in some contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
given or bestowed by oneself; voluntarily assigned or granted by the person themself.
She used a self-given title in her bio rather than an official one.
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Adjective 2
assumed or adopted by oneself without official sanction (i.e., self-appointed or unofficial).
He relies on his self-given authority rather than any formal position.
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Last updated: 2025/10/16 22:40