self-conscious
6 antonyms and opposites of self-conscious, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Uncomfortably aware of being watched or judged by others, and awkward or embarrassed as a result.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adjective
Uncomfortably aware of being watched or judged by others, and awkward or embarrassed as a result.
“He was self-conscious about his accent and spoke as little as possible.”
Opposites
2. adjective
Done with deliberate awareness of the effect it will have; knowingly artful rather than natural.
“The film is a self-conscious homage to 1970s thrillers.”
Opposites
3. adjective philosophy, psychology
Having awareness of oneself as a distinct individual with an inner life.
“Debate continues over which animals are genuinely self-conscious.”
Antonyms
How to Use Self-Conscious
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Neutral and everyday; the philosophical sense is confined to academic writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between self-conscious and self-aware?
Self-conscious is about discomfort, meaning you are worried about how you look to others. Self-aware is a positive quality, meaning you understand your own motives and effect on people. One makes you shrink, the other makes you clearer-sighted.
Is self-conscious hyphenated?
Yes, self-conscious keeps its hyphen in all standard varieties of English, and so does the noun self-consciousness.
What is the difference between self-conscious and insecure?
Self-conscious usually describes a feeling in a particular moment or about one specific thing, such as your teeth or your voice. Insecure describes a deeper, more general lack of confidence that follows you around.