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.
Lipa managed the feat suspended high in the air and balanced on a small circular pedestal — her elevated position and domination over her surroundings reflecting the themes of empowerment and self-respect that recurred throughout the two-hour concert. Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025 My partner’s refusal to be comforted by this institutional food struck me sometimes as pointlessly obstructive and at other times as a sign of self-respect. Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025 Having a plan asserts self-respect as much as maturity. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 Aug. 2025 But don’t forget that true leadership starts with self-respect. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2025 That party’s reputation for fiscal responsibility has vanished, along with any right to self-respect. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 July 2025 Your outlook on self-worth, self-respect, and security will deepen in the second week of July. Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 24 June 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 14 Sep. 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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