self-aware

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   knowing and understanding your own character, feelings, and motives.

   Grammar: Not usually used in the comparative or superlative; you can say 'more self-aware' but it is less common.

   Patterns

   • be self-aware
   • become more self-aware
   • acutely self-aware

   She is very self-aware and knows her strengths and weaknesses.

   Therapy helped him become more self-aware.

   A self-aware leader listens to feedback and admits mistakes.

2. 2adjectivenot comparabletechnical

   used about a group or machine that can recognize itself or its own actions.

   Grammar: Used mainly in technical or philosophical contexts.

   Patterns

   • a self-aware system
   • self-aware artificial intelligence

   The novel explores what it would mean for a machine to be self-aware.

   Some philosophers argue that a self-aware society must examine its own values.

Common combinations

highly self-aware

Highly self-aware people are good at recognizing their own emotions.

become more self-aware

Travel can help you become more self-aware.

emotionally self-aware

She is emotionally self-aware and handles conflict well.

self-aware about something

He is self-aware about his tendency to interrupt.

Synonyms and how they differ

introspective

Introspective means looking inward and examining your thoughts; self-aware is broader and includes understanding how others see you.

mindful

Mindful means paying attention to the present moment; self-aware is about understanding your own personality and behavior.

Opposites

Word family

self-awareness noun

the ability to understand your own character and feelings.

Commonly confused: self-aware or self-conscious?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “self-aware”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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