self-identity

noun

self-iden·​ti·​ty ˌself-ī-ˈden-tə-tē How to pronounce self-identity (audio)
-ˈde-nə-tē
Synonyms of self-identitynext
1
: sameness of a thing with itself
2
: individuality
Self-understanding is the necessary condition of a sense of self-identityJ. C. Murray

Examples of self-identity in a Sentence

twins making an effort to establish their separate self-identities
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The hand clap is also a form of prideful self-identity in public spaces that marks them clearly and unashamedly within Indian society as hijras. Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026 The Korean performance powerhouses reunite for the second time, nearly three years after their first unit album, [THE UNSEEN], which grapples with their self-identity and staying true to their authenticity. Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026 The 2026 Wagner New Play Festival kicks off today at UC San Diego, with three new works by MFA plywriting candidates on topics ranging from caveman romance to self-identity to an eerie high school ritual. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 Denver artist Sammy Seung-min Lee’s work has always been about her journey toward understanding self-identity — or the impossibility of that task for so many people who experience the privilege and pain of being caught between cultures. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026 The law discriminates based on viewpoint, permitting expressions of acceptance and support for a client’s self-identity while forbidding expressions that attempt to change it. Kevin Cope, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026 Need examples where fan allegiance goes beyond the transactional fandom of self-identity and tradition? Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 4 Dec. 2025 That is so traumatizing in itself, and then it’s compiled with his abusive father and being bullied at school and being excluded from his friends and struggling with his self-identity. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025 Over time, going along with what others tell you to do can lead to unhappiness and lack of self-identity. Angela Haupt, Time, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-identity was in 1794

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Cite this Entry

“Self-identity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-identity. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

self-identity

noun
self-iden·​ti·​ty
ˌsel-ˌfī-ˈden(t)-ət-ē
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