selfhood

[ self-hood ]

noun

1. the state of being an individual person; individuality.
2. one's personality.
3. selfishness.

selfhood

/ ˈsɛlfhʊd /

noun

1. philosophy
   1. the state of having a distinct identity
   2. the individuality so possessed
2. a person's character
3. the quality of being egocentric

Word History and Origins

Origin of selfhood¹

First recorded in 1640–50; self + -hood

Example Sentences

The Guardian’s four-star review praised the record’s introspective depth, particularly how it wrestles with “the question of Smith’s own selfhood”.

From BBC

Through her art and writing, she explores and dissects mental health, selfhood and relationships.

From Seattle Times

In the face of so much frenzied curation and compulsory personal branding, how might a modern human maintain some iota of unshared selfhood, a soupçon of Greta Garbo mystique?

From New York Times

Many women today would disagree with Lacey’s bitter outlook, but she is a product of a time when her selfhood was intertwined with her ability to marry well, support her husband’s ambitions and have children.

From Los Angeles Times

But the players also hinted at something less tangible, some swirl of selfhood and ritualism and sense memory, that week after week lured them back to the ice.

From Seattle Times