self-love

noun

: love of self: such as
a
: an appreciation of one's own worth or virtue
Self-love begins when we observe our actions and words with compassion as if we were our own best friend.Sara M Bosworth
Just as you'd think, it's love—particular, self-love—that makes the world go around.Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Often we are reluctant to promote self-love mostly because we confuse it with selfishness. Since we are humans, we ought to have a healthy love for ourselves; it is from this fount that love flows out to others.Mason Olds
b
: proper regard for and attention to one's own happiness or well-being
Nurturing your body seems simple, but for me it feels like an extreme act of self-love.Danielle d'Entremont
Lisa Concepcion, a certified professional love life coach and founder of LoveQuest Coaching, says that journaling is an excellent way to practice self-love.SheKnows
c
: inflated love of or pride in oneself : narcissism, conceit
… individuals ruled by self-love and selfishness …John Saillant
"Then from myself pray understand that I will say nothing to flatter your self-love."Anthony Trollope
… there was the self-love of those conceited blockheads who … were convinced that they themselves were superior to anything the age could produce.John Clive
self-loving adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web But tying the roller coaster of emotions together are overarching themes of self-growth, self-love and positivity. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 1 May 2023 Venus also highlights the need for self-love, and for you, this is likely popping up in your career. Jacqueline Tempera, Women's Health, 30 Apr. 2023 Though some might disagree, the outcome wasn't a surprise to Luxx, who was applauded by RuPaul and her fellow competitors for her self-determination, faith in herself and vocal self-love. Zizi Strater, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2023 After all, if the dream factory functioned like any other business, there would be no Academy Awards ceremony, the most glamorous spectacle of celebrity self-love ever devised. Marc Weingarten, WSJ, 9 Mar. 2023 Putting self-love before the needs of one’s partner is the narcissist’s way. Mark Travers, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2023 Pilates has quickly morphed into a self-love ritual for me. Dominique B. Fluker, Women's Health, 25 Mar. 2023 Before that, bold-faced celebrities such as Brooke Shields, Juliette Lewis, Cassie, Indya Moore, Becky G and Chelsea Handler starred in a bra campaign centered around women’s journeys towards self-love and acceptance,. Anna Tingley, Variety, 22 Mar. 2023 Why is self-love so crucial? Making sure people are good is a big part of my life. Globe Columnist, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-love.' 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

1539, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-love was in 1539

Dictionary Entries Near self-love

Cite this Entry

“Self-love.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-love. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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