self-respect

noun

self-re·​spect ˌself-ri-ˈspekt How to pronounce self-respect (audio)
1
: a proper respect for oneself as a human being
2
: regard for one's own standing or position

Examples of self-respect in a Sentence

getting a job and moving out of his parents' house did a lot to increase his self-respect
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.
That kind of self-respect becomes a superpower for life. Charna Flam, People.com, 6 May 2025 Still, one hopes that other universities that find themselves in the administration’s crosshairs — and there are many of them now — follow Harvard’s example and make self-respect, and respect for the law, unsurprising again. M. Gessen, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025 In a world wired for hustle, that choice becomes a radical act of self-respect. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 But Scott has the power of love on his side (though the power of self-respect would serve him better) and, like many an underdog, relies more on clever trickery than physical prowess to win most of the battles. Ew Staff, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025 These team members proudly held on to their self-respect & dignity! Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 And what happened to good old-fashioned self-respect? Tomris Laffly, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025 Morehouse continues to carry this torch, demonstrating that true sartorial excellence is rooted in legacy, identity, and self-respect. Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2025 Reclaim your self-respect, stand firm in your values and opinions and be willing to speak up or say no. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-respect was in 1765

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-respect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-respect. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

self-respect

noun
self-re·​spect
ˌsel-fri-ˈspekt
1
: a proper respect for oneself as a human being
2
: regard for one's own standing or position
self-respecting
-ˈspek-tiŋ
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on self-respect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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