noun
self-awareness
self-ə-WAIR-nəss
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.”
noun
1
Accurate knowledge of your own character, feelings, motives and effect on other people.
"She had the self-awareness to admit that she talks over people when nervous."
"The feedback was blunt but it did wonders for his self-awareness."
2
technical In psychology and philosophy, the capacity of a being to recognise itself as an individual distinct from its environment and from others.
"The mirror test is used to probe self-awareness in animals."
"Debates about machine self-awareness rarely define the term precisely."
How to use self-awareness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishKnowing what you are really like and how you come across.
When to use it
Neutral; extremely common in workplace, coaching and psychology writing.
Memory tip
The scolding phrase 'no self-awareness' is now a set expression meaning someone cannot see how they appear to others.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a lack of self-awareness
develop self-awareness
zero self-awareness
emotional self-awareness
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She had the _____ to admit that she talks over people when nervous.
Etymology
From self- + awareness. Also equivalent to self-aware + -ness, though attested earlier.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
obliviousness
self-deception
Related words
Rhymes for self-awareness
oneness
likeness
idleness
lateness
rudeness
niceness
cuteness
awareness
whiteness
closeness
politeness
gentleness
See all 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.
What is the meaning of self-awareness?
"self-awareness" (noun) means accurate knowledge of your own character, feelings, motives and effect on other people.
