English Lexicon

Self-esteem

/ˌsɛlf.ɪˈstiːm/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #3500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    Confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect.

    "Receiving positive feedback on her project greatly boosted her self-esteem."
  2. 2

    A realistic and appreciative respect for oneself as a person.

    "Building healthy self-esteem is crucial for establishing personal boundaries."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the combination of the English reflexive pronoun 'self-' (from Old English 'self') and the noun 'esteem' (from Latin 'aestimare', meaning 'to value or appraise'). The term emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries to describe an individual's evaluation of their own worth and capabilities.

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