self
gb/sˈɛlf/ us/sˈɛlf/
A2
English
~ 2300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
A person's own identity
The idea of who you are as a person.
Usage pattern:
the [adjective] self
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'self' with 'myself' in this noun sense; 'myself' is a pronoun, not the abstract idea of identity.
Synonyms
identity (Refers broadly to who someone is, including social roles and characteristics, not always internal perception.)
Antonyms
other (Represents someone or something that is not oneself.)
Collocations
true self
|sense of self
|self-image
|self-awareness
Themes
psychology
|philosophy
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She spent years trying to understand her true self.
- Traveling alone helped him reconnect with his self.
- Meditation can help you become more aware of your self.
Learner examples
- I want to know my true self.
- He feels happy with his self.
- She is learning about her self.
Noun
A2
entity
2
A person's character or nature
The way a person usually thinks, feels, and acts.
Usage pattern:
one's [adjective] self
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'self' here with 'selfish', which has a negative meaning about caring only for oneself.
Synonyms
personality (Focuses more on outward traits and behavior patterns rather than the whole being.)
Antonyms
facade (An outward appearance that hides the true nature.)
Collocations
old self
|my usual self
|be yourself
Themes
psychology
|daily life
|relationships
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- After the illness, she was finally back to her old self.
- He's not his usual self today.
- Try to be your best self in the interview.
Learner examples
- She is back to her old self.
- He is not his usual self today.
- Be your best self.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
The base form of reflexive pronouns
The part of words like 'myself' or 'yourself' that means the same person doing and receiving an action.
Common mistake:
Learners may try to use 'self' alone as a reflexive pronoun in everyday sentences, which is incorrect.
Synonyms
oneself (A full reflexive pronoun used in place of 'self' in isolation.)
Collocations
self-control
|self-esteem
|self-service
Themes
grammar
|linguistics
|education
|communication
Examples
- In the word 'myself', 'self' is the root part.
- Many English words start with 'self-' to show personal relation, like 'self-care'.
- 'Self' can be a separate word in philosophy.
Learner examples
- The word 'myself' has 'self' in it.
- We can say 'self-care'.
- 'Self' is part of 'yourself'.
Grammar
Dictionary form
self
IPA
GB/sˈɛlf/
US/sˈɛlf/
Syllables & stress
self (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (self)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: self
- Plural: self, selves
Word family
Expressions
keep to oneself
1/kˈip tə wˌʌnsˈɛlf/
idiom
Avoid sharing personal matters with others
To not talk to other people about your thoughts or feelings, or to avoid being with other people.
Examples
- She tends to keep to herself at parties.
- He kept the news to himself.
talk to oneself
1/tˈɔk tə wˌʌnsˈɛlf/
fixed phrase
Speak aloud when alone or not to others
To say words out loud when you are alone or not talking to another person.
Examples
- I sometimes talk to myself when I'm thinking.
- He was talking to himself while working.
be yourself
1/bˈi jʊɹsˈɛlf/
fixed phrase
act naturally as you are
Act in a way that is natural for you, not pretending to be someone else.
Examples
- Just be yourself and you'll do fine in the interview.
- I like him because he is always himself.
be yourself
2/bˈi jʊɹsˈɛlf/
fixed phrase
Act naturally and honestly as you are
To act in a way that is natural for you and not pretend to be someone else.
Examples
- Just be yourself during the interview.
- He told me to relax and be myself.
by oneself
1/bˈaɪ wˌʌnsˈɛlf/
fixed phrase
alone, without company or help
To be or do something with no other people there and with no one helping.
Examples
- She fixed the car by herself.
- She prefers to study by herself, but in formal writing one might say that one studies by oneself.
- He prefers to eat by himself.
- Living by oneself can teach one a lot about responsibility.
- One can feel lonely when one spends too many evenings by oneself.
make a name for oneself
1/mˈeɪk ə nˈeɪm fɚ wˌʌnsˈɛlf/
idiom
Become famous or respected
To become known and respected for doing something well.
Examples
- She made a name for herself in the fashion industry.
- She made a name for herself in the art world.
- He quickly made a name for himself as a skilled lawyer.
- He quickly made a name for himself as a talented chef.