self-identity

noun

self-iden·​ti·​ty ˌself-ī-ˈden-tə-tē 

-ˈde-nə-tē

1

: sameness of a thing with itself

2

: individuality

Self-understanding is the necessary condition of a sense of self-identity …

—J. C. Murray

Synonyms of self-identity

• identity
• personality

Examples of self-identity in a Sentence

twins making an effort to establish their separate self-identities

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for self-identity

• entity
• identity
• nonentity

Kids Definition

self-identity

noun

self-iden·​ti·​ty

ˌsel-ˌfī-ˈden(t)-ət-ē

: individuality sense 1