self-awareness

UK: ˌself əˈweə.nəs | US: ˌself əˈwer.nəs

Definition

  1. n. conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires

Structure
self <oneself>aware <conscious>ness <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "self-awareness" combines three morphemes:

  1. "Self" (Old English self, meaning "one's own person")
  2. "Aware" (Old English gewær, meaning "watchful, cautious," from Proto-Germanic ga-waraz)
  3. "-ness" (Old English -nes, a suffix forming abstract nouns indicating a state or quality)

The term emerged in the early 19th century, reflecting psychological and philosophical concepts of introspection. The morphemes logically progress from the core idea of "self" to the state of being "aware," culminating in an abstract noun describing the condition.

Examples

  1. Developing self-awareness is crucial for emotional intelligence.

  2. Her self-awareness allowed her to recognize her biases.

  3. Meditation can enhance self-awareness by focusing attention inward.

  4. Lack of self-awareness often leads to interpersonal conflicts.

  5. The therapist encouraged him to cultivate greater self-awareness.