self-awareness
Self-awareness (noun) means Accurate knowledge of your own character, feelings, motives and effect on other people. Example: “She had the self-awareness to admit that she talks over people when nervous.”
How to Use Self-awareness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKnowing what you are really like and how you come across.
Neutral; extremely common in workplace, coaching and psychology writing.
The scolding phrase 'no self-awareness' is now a set expression meaning someone cannot see how they appear to others.
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She had the _____ to admit that she talks over people when nervous.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for self-awareness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between self-awareness and self-consciousness?
Self-awareness is understanding yourself clearly and it is generally a strength. Self-consciousness, in everyday English, is the uncomfortable feeling of being watched and judged. Only in technical philosophy does self-consciousness carry the neutral sense of knowing oneself to exist.
How do you improve self-awareness?
The reliable methods combine internal reflection with outside information: keeping a journal, noticing physical and emotional reactions as they happen, and above all asking people who will be honest with you how you come across. Research consistently finds that introspection alone tends to confirm the story you already tell about yourself.
Is self-awareness the same as emotional intelligence?
No, it is one component of it. Emotional intelligence is usually broken into self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management, with self-awareness treated as the foundation the others rest on.