self-consciousness

UK: ˌselfˈkɒn.ʃəs.nəs | US: ˌselfˈkɑːn.ʃəs.nəs

Definition

  1. n. excessive awareness of oneself, often leading to awkwardness or discomfort in social situations

  2. n. a heightened sense of self-awareness, especially regarding one's actions or appearance

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

The word "self-consciousness" combines three morphemes:

  1. "Self" (Old English self), meaning "one's own person."
  2. "Conscious" (Latin conscius, from con- "with" + scire "to know"), meaning "aware."
  3. "-ness" (Old English -nes), a suffix forming abstract nouns indicating a state or quality.

Originally, "conscious" referred to shared knowledge (con- + scire), but over time, it evolved to mean individual awareness. Adding "self" intensifies this inward focus, while "-ness" turns it into a noun describing the state of being overly aware of oneself. The term reflects a psychological shift from external observation to internal scrutiny.

Examples

  1. Her self-consciousness made her hesitate before speaking in public.

  2. He felt a wave of self-consciousness when everyone turned to look at him.

  3. Overcoming self-consciousness is key to building confidence.

  4. The actor's self-consciousness disappeared once he stepped on stage.

  5. Teenagers often struggle with self-consciousness about their appearance.