self-definition
noun
self-def·i·ni·tion
ˌself-ˌde-fə-ˈni-shən 
: the evaluation by oneself of one's worth as an individual in distinction from one's interpersonal or social roles
Examples of self-definition in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This is how the human race has defined itself, and our self-definition is based on that—both as individuals, as nations, as humanity as a whole.
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Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2023
The film wrestles with the twisting journey of self-definition and the mercurial relationships between mothers and daughters.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 July 2023
People had housed important self-definitions in buildings that were at risk of falling over at the slightest tremor.
—J.p. Brammer, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2023
Techno-utopians imagined that access to the Internet would free individuals from the constraining bonds of society, encouraging new self-definitions and habits of reasoned debate.
—Vinay Sitapati, Foreign Affairs, 24 Nov. 2021
Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images These ideas of self-expression, self-love and self-definition took on new meaning when worn by Schafer.
—Leah Dolan, CNN, 15 Mar. 2023
Catton has a profound command of how perceptions lead to choice, and of how choice, for most of us, is an act of self-definition.
—B. D. McClay, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2023
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Bywill Daniel, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2023
The film wrestles with the twisting journey of self-definition and the mercurial relationships between mothers and daughters.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 July 2023
People had housed important self-definitions in buildings that were at risk of falling over at the slightest tremor.
—J.p. Brammer, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2023
Techno-utopians imagined that access to the Internet would free individuals from the constraining bonds of society, encouraging new self-definitions and habits of reasoned debate.
—Vinay Sitapati, Foreign Affairs, 24 Nov. 2021
Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images These ideas of self-expression, self-love and self-definition took on new meaning when worn by Schafer.
—Leah Dolan, CNN, 15 Mar. 2023
Catton has a profound command of how perceptions lead to choice, and of how choice, for most of us, is an act of self-definition.
—B. D. McClay, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-definition.' 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
1957, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near self-definition
Cite this Entry
“Self-definition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-definition. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.
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