self-respect

noun

self-re·​spect ˌself-ri-ˈspekt How to pronounce self-respect (audio)
1
: a proper respect for oneself as a human being
2
: regard for one's own standing or position

Examples of self-respect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Nonetheless, the topic of self-respect kept surfacing for me. Liz Guthridge, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 As Locke put it in his essay, this was a period of renewal, of self-respect, and of self-dependence among Black people. Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Feb. 2024 When the losses mount to an uncontrollable level, there are ramifications that can cost the gambler his or her finances, multiple personal relationships and self-respect. Steve Silverman, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2024 Whereas Celie has never dared to defy authority, Sofia embodies self-respect — that elusive but essential dimension that will ultimately set Celie free. Peter Debruge, Variety, 19 Dec. 2023 The disability community has such self-respect and is really embracing what this community is about. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Dec. 2023 The warmth of your lap and hearing your voice helps build a healthy, secure bond which, in turn, develops your child’s self-confidence, self-regulation and self-respect. Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2023 Another program, Bright Road Martial Arts, recognizes the mentorship and power of martial arts disciplines which improves lives through self-control, self-discovery and self-respect, offered to qualifying at-risk youth in partnership with leading academies and instructors. Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2023 Anybody with enough self-respect to ask the question is on their way to an answer other than yes. Matt Pearce, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-respect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-respect was in 1765

Dictionary Entries Near self-respect

Cite this Entry

“Self-respect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-respect. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-respect

noun
self-re·​spect
ˌsel-fri-ˈspekt
1
: a proper respect for oneself as a human being
2
: regard for one's own standing or position
self-respecting
-ˈspek-tiŋ
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on self-respect

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