Selfhood

noun

noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    State of having a distinct identity, or being an individual distinct from others; individuality. uncountable, usually
  2. 2
    The fully developed self; one's personality, character. uncountable, usually

    "Indeed, while geography is neither a key dimension of identity nor its determinant, it is one of the most important categories through which nationhood can be explored and articulated. It both grounds a sense of national selfhood and gives it a framework through which a continuous shaping of identity can "take place.""

  3. 3
    The quality of being self-centered or egocentric; selfishness. uncountable, usually

Example

More examples

"Indeed, while geography is neither a key dimension of identity nor its determinant, it is one of the most important categories through which nationhood can be explored and articulated. It both grounds a sense of national selfhood and gives it a framework through which a continuous shaping of identity can "take place.""

Etymology

From self + -hood.

Related phrases

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.