self-understanding

noun

self-un·​der·​stand·​ing ˌself-ˌən-dər-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce self-understanding (audio)
plural self-understandings
: understanding of oneself: such as
a
: knowledge or understanding of one's own capabilities, character, feelings, or motivations : self-knowledge
human self-understanding
gaining a greater sense of self-understanding
… while I can't choose what I feel, I do have sway over how I understand my feelings and that self-understanding can modify and sculpt those feelings …Gordon Marino
b
: one's conception of oneself especially as part of a group
Central to our national self-understanding is the idea that hard work pays off.Las Vegas Sun
… the attempt to put religion into a box fails to give adequate regard to the self-understanding of those religious groups …Eduardo M. Penalver
… the studies … show that adoptive parents play an important role in supporting their children's ethnic and cultural self-understanding.Anndee Hochman
… people should be free to reach their own self-understandings when it comes their status as victims (or non-victims).Brian D. Earp

Examples of self-understanding in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The representatives of communication and self-understanding both love your big ol’ boss planet. Jennifer Culp, Them, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-understanding was in 1608

Dictionary Entries Near self-understanding

Cite this Entry

“Self-understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-understanding. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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