self
21 synonyms and 2 antonyms for self, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person's own individual character, personality, or identity.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use self
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English self/seolf, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "one's own," shared with German selbst and Dutch zelf.
Full origin of self →Frequently asked questions
What does “self” mean?
The word “self” means a person's own individual character, personality, or identity. In plain terms, the core identity or personality that makes someone who they are.
How do you pronounce “self”?
“Self” is pronounced SEHLF (/ˈsɛlf/ in IPA).
How do you use “self” in a sentence?
Here is “self” used in a sentence: “Travel helped her discover a more confident self.”
What is another word for “self”?
Words with a similar meaning to “self” include cyberself, herself, himself, itself, myself and non-self.
What is the opposite of “self”?
The opposite of “self” — its antonyms — are nonself and outcross.
What part of speech is “self”?
Depending on how it is used, “self” can be a noun and a pronoun.
Where does the word “self” come from?
The word “self” comes from Old English. From Old English self/seolf, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "one's own," shared with German selbst and Dutch zelf.
Is “self” a common word?
“Self” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between the self and the ego?
The self is your whole individual identity — the character, personality, and sense of who you are. The ego, in everyday speech, is your sense of self-importance or pride. In psychology it names the part of the mind that balances desires against reality. The self is the whole; the ego is one aspect of it.
What is the difference between self and identity?
The two are closely linked. The self is the whole person you experience yourself to be from the inside — your character and inner life. Identity is how that self is defined and labelled, both by you and by others, through things like name, role, culture, and beliefs. Identity gives the self its outward shape.
Can the self change over time?
Yes. Although people feel like the same person throughout life, personality, values, and identity naturally develop with age and experience. Major events, relationships, and choices can all reshape how you see yourself. Psychologists agree the self is not fixed but evolves, while usually keeping a recognisable thread of continuity.