self–gov·ern·ing adjective : having control or rule over oneself; specif : having self-government
Synonyms
autonomous, free, independent, separate, sovereign—more at FREE
democratic, popular, republican—more at DEMOCRATIC
self–gov·ern·ment noun 1 : restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires
2 : government under the control and direction of the inhabitants of a political unit rather than by an outside authority
Synonyms
[1] restraint, self-control, self-discipline, self-possession, self-restraint, will, willpower—more at WILL
[2] autonomy, freedom, independence, liberty, sovereignty—more at FREEDOM
self–help noun : the process of bettering oneself or coping with one's problems without the aid of others
— self–help adjective
self–iden·ti·ty noun 1 : sameness of a thing with itself
2 : total character peculiar to and distinguishing an individual from others
Synonyms
character, identity, individuality, personality—more at INDIVIDUALITY
self–im·por·tance noun : an exaggerated estimate of one's own importance; also : arrogant or pompous behavior
Synonyms
arrogance, haughtiness, loftiness, pretense, pretension, pretentiousness, superiority—more at ARROGANCE
complacence, conceit, ego, egotism, pride, self-conceit, self-esteem, self-satisfaction, smugness, vainglory, vanity—more at COMPLACENCE
self–important adjective : having or showing self-importance
Synonyms
complacent, conceited, egotistic, important, overweening, pompous, prideful, proud, self-satisfied, smug, stuck-up, vain—more at CONCEITED
self–in·dul·gence noun : excessive or unrestrained gratification of one's own appetites, desires, or whims
self–in·ter·est noun : a concern for one's own advantage and well-being
Synonyms
egoism, egotism, self-centeredness, self-regard, selfishness—more at EGOISM
self·ish adjective : concerned with one's own welfare excessively or without regard for others
— self·ish·ly adverb
Synonyms
egocentric, egotistic, self-seeking—more at EGOCENTRIC
self·ish·ness noun : the quality or state of being selfish
Synonyms
egoism, egotism, self-centeredness, self-interest, self-regard—more at EGOISM
self·less adjective : UNSELFISH
— self·less·ness noun
self–made adjective : having achieved success or prominance by one's own efforts self–pol·li·na·tion noun : pollination of a flower by its own pollen or sometimes by pollen from another flower on the same plant
self–pos·sessed adjective : having or showing self-possession : composed in mind or manner
Synonyms
calm, collected, composed, cool, placid, serene, tranquil, undisturbed, unperturbed, unshaken, untroubled, unworried—more at CALM
self–pos·ses·sion noun : control of one's emotions or reactions esp. when under stress
Synonyms
aplomb, calmness, composure, coolness, equanimity, placidity, serenity, tranquillity—more at EQUANIMITY
restraint, self-control, self-discipline, self-government, self-restraint, will, willpower—more at WILL
self–re·gard noun : regard for or consideration of oneself or one's own interests
Synonyms
ego, pride, self-esteem, self-respect—more at PRIDE
egoism, egotism, self-centeredness, self-interest, selfishness—more at EGOISM
self–reg·u·lat·ing adjective : AUTOMATIC
self–re·li·ant adjective : having confidence in and exercising one's own powers or judgment
Synonyms
independent, self-sufficient, self-supporting—more at SELF-SUFFICIENT
self–re·proach noun : the act or an instance of reproaching oneself
Synonyms
contrition, guilt, penitence, remorse, repentance, shame—more at GUILT
self–re·spect noun 1 : a proper respect for oneself as a human being
2 : regard for one's own standing or position
Synonyms
ego, pride, self-esteem, self-regard