Entry Word: self–esteem

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a reasonable or justifiable sense of one's worth or importance <friends and family have tried to help the shy child develop some self-esteem> — see pride 1
2 an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with oneʼs situation or achievements <his towering self-esteem made praise from other people entirely unnecessary> — see complacence
3 great faith in oneself or oneʼs abilities <the kind of self-esteem that an actor needs to keep going in the face of constant discouragement and rejection> — see confidence 1