self-redeeming
|self-re-deem-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˌsɛlf.rɪˈdiː.mɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˌsɛlf rɪˈdiː.mɪŋ/
makes up for its own faults
Etymology
'self-redeeming' is a Modern English compound formed from 'self' + the present participle 'redeeming' (from 'redeem'). 'Self' comes from Old English 'self' meaning 'the very person or thing', and 'redeem' comes (via its participle form) from Latin-rooted 'redimere' meaning 'to buy back'.
'self' is Old English 'self' and has been used in compounds for centuries; 'redeem' entered English via Old French 'redimer' and Middle English 'reden'/'redeemen', ultimately from Latin 'redimere' (re- + emere 'to buy'). The compound 'self-redeeming' is a later, productive Modern English formation combining these elements to mean 'redeeming itself' or 'bringing its own redemption'.
Originally, Latin 'redimere' primarily meant 'to buy back'; over time in English 'redeem' developed senses including 'to free from sin or fault' and 'to compensate for'; 'self-redeeming' thus came to mean 'providing its own compensation or moral recovery' rather than any literal buying back.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
that which compensates for its own faults or shortcomings; making something worthwhile despite earlier flaws.
The final scene was self-redeeming, leaving viewers with a powerful impression that made up for the film's slow middle act.
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Adjective 2
able to provide moral or symbolic redemption; showing qualities that restore honor, moral worth, or reputation.
His final act was self-redeeming, restoring some of the trust he had lost.
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Last updated: 2025/11/06 00:36