self-realization

noun

self-re·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌself-ˌrē-ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce self-realization (audio)
: fulfillment by oneself of the possibilities of one's character or personality

Examples of self-realization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Was everyone supposed to have done their own self-exploration—self-realization—long ago? Clare Sestanovich, The New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2023 This stands in stark contrast to a decade ago, when top officials stressed the importance of both equality and women’s self-realization, said Hanzhang Liu, a political studies professor at Pitzer College who has examined speeches by senior officials at several congresses over the past two decades. Alexandra Stevenson, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2023 The Zone is a mysterious dimension of creative cruise control — without self-realization or linear thought. Jonathan Rowe, Spin, 19 Sep. 2023 Reading Carl Jung’s theory of individuation, the development of self-realization, led her to see her seven chickens as one continuous being, always in communication with wild birds. Jennifer Piejko, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2023 As a provocative artist at a critical time, his self-realization – on multiple levels – of salvation feels larger than music. Marcus K. Dowling, USA TODAY, 30 May 2023 While maturing, a person gradually gets liberated from the opinions of these figures and seeks or needs less approval and encouragement for self-realization. Naira Velumyan, Forbes, 19 Apr. 2023 See More

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

circa 1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-realization was circa 1815

Dictionary Entries Near self-realization

Cite this Entry

“Self-realization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-realization. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on self-realization

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