define myself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define myself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing self-identity, personal growth, or self-reflection. Example: "In this essay, I will explore how my experiences have helped me define myself over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I don't define myself.

The New York Times

Don't define myself by politics.

The New York Times

I don't define myself by this".

The New York Times

"I wouldn't define myself as that," he said.

The New Yorker

At the moral level, I can define myself as conservative".

The New Yorker

How do I define myself by my leavings?

The New York Times - Arts

I would define myself as a contemporary artist.

The Guardian - Arts

"I don't define myself as that," he says.

The Guardian

"Sure, but I don't define myself as that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's a big part of how I define myself".

The New York Times - Magazine

But I don't define myself as working class".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "define myself" when reflecting on personal growth and understanding your evolving identity.

Common error

Avoid using "define myself" excessively in formal writing where a more objective tone is required. Instead, consider more neutral alternatives like "characterize my role" or "outline my responsibilities."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating an action (defining) that the subject performs on themself. This highlights the subjective and personal nature of self-identification. As seen in Ludwig, individuals use it to articulate their values, roles, or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "define myself" is a common and grammatically correct reflexive verb phrase used to express self-perception and personal identity. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts, with a neutral register suitable for general communication. While alternatives like ""identify myself"" or "describe myself" exist, "define myself" specifically emphasizes the active and personal construction of one's own identity. When writing, remember to use this phrase to reflect personal growth and understanding your evolving identity, but avoid overusing it in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify myself

Focuses more on aligning oneself with a particular group or label.

describe who I am

Emphasizes a comprehensive account of one's personality and traits.

understand my identity

Highlights the process of gaining insight into one's own sense of self.

determine my character

Implies actively shaping and establishing one's moral qualities.

recognize my potential

Shifts the focus to acknowledging and embracing one's inherent abilities.

express my individuality

Underscores the communication of one's unique qualities and perspectives.

portray my essence

Conveys the act of capturing and presenting the core of one's being.

ascertain my nature

Suggests a deeper exploration into understanding one's fundamental attributes.

establish my persona

Highlights the creation and projection of a specific public image.

discover my purpose

Focuses on finding one's reason for being or guiding principle in life.

FAQs

How can I use "define myself" in a sentence?

You can use "define myself" to express how you understand your identity, values, or role in life. For example, "I strive to define myself through my actions rather than my words."

What is a good alternative to "define myself"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "define myself" include "identify myself", "describe myself", or "characterize myself".

Is it correct to say "I define myself as..."?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "I define myself as..." It is a common way to express how you perceive your identity or role. For example, "I define myself as a writer and an advocate for social justice."

What's the difference between "define myself" and ""identify myself""?

"Define myself" implies a more active and personal construction of identity, while ""identify myself"" often suggests aligning with a pre-existing group or label.