define oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing personal identity, self-perception, or the process of establishing one's own characteristics or values. Example: "In her journey of self-discovery, she learned to define herself beyond societal expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This was always bizarre in view of the common history and cultural affinity, and it is not constructive to define oneself in terms of a negative.

The Guardian - Travel

To cling to a "leftwing" or "rightwing" tag may primarily reflect one's sense of identity and emotional need to belong to one tribe and to define oneself against the other.

The Guardian - Opinion

This desire for power and control, which found its way into the New Orleans Medical and Surgical Journal, illustrated the need "to identify an outsider in order to define oneself," Morrison said.

Harvard University

In this sense, the novel is very contemporary, I suppose, but it is also classical in its delineation of the youthful impulse to define oneself; among other things, I was thrilled to read a book in which the main character doesn't own a cell phone and no one writes emails.

The New Yorker

As the child of deaf parents, she is proficient at signing and she introduces Billy to "the deaf community", the very idea of which is contemptuously dismissed by his father, who thinks that to define oneself by a disability is tantamount to "basing your identity on coming from Gateshead".

Independent

Privacy allows one the freedom to define one's relations with others and to define oneself.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Defining oneself by differences is a zero-sum game; it breeds few winners and mostly losers.

Harvard Business Review

Defining oneself in a negative sense is not only sometimes convenient in politics, it is also devastatingly true.

The Guardian

And, after a hundred years of it, it is hard to feel Armenian in a meaningful way without defining oneself in opposition to it.

The New Yorker

The power of the play lies in that fact that although it may be set in 1906, it probes the universal milestones of defining oneself as an adult.

The Guardian

And the questions that underlie the gathering are about things like whether gay men are better off among themselves or living in the wider world and whether defining oneself by one's sexual orientation is healthy and fulfilling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "define oneself" when you want to emphasize the active role of an individual in shaping their own identity, values, or characteristics. It suggests a conscious effort to establish a sense of self.

Common error

Avoid using "define oneself" in contexts where the emphasis is on seeking validation or approval from others. The phrase suggests an internal process of self-discovery and self-assertion, not an attempt to conform to external expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define oneself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating an action performed by an individual that directly affects their own identity. As Ludwig suggests, it is commonly used to discuss the process of establishing personal characteristics or values.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

22%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "define oneself" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes the process of establishing one's identity, values, or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, especially when discussing personal identity and self-perception. While suitable for various contexts, it's most commonly found in news, academic, and scientific sources. When using this phrase, remember that it emphasizes an internal process of self-discovery and self-assertion rather than seeking external validation. Alternatives such as "establish one's identity" or "shape one's self-image" can be considered for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish one's identity

Focuses on the act of creating or solidifying a sense of self.

determine one's self-definition

Highlights the act of deciding on one's own characteristics and values.

shape one's self-image

Emphasizes the construction of a mental picture of oneself.

express one's individuality

Centers on communicating one's unique qualities and characteristics.

characterize oneself

Focuses on describing or portraying oneself in a particular way.

portray oneself

Emphasizes the act of presenting oneself to others.

formulate one's identity

Highlights the process of developing a coherent sense of self.

construct one's persona

Focuses on building a public image or character.

articulate one's values

Emphasizes the expression of one's core beliefs and principles.

discover one's true self

Focuses on the process of finding and understanding one's authentic nature.

FAQs

What does it mean to "define oneself"?

To "define oneself" means to establish one's identity, values, and characteristics, often through a conscious process of self-discovery and self-expression. It involves determining who you are and what you stand for.

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

You can use "define oneself" in a sentence like this: "In her journey of self-discovery, she learned to define herself beyond societal expectations."

What can I say instead of "define oneself"?

You can use alternatives like "establish one's identity", "shape one's self-image", or "express one's individuality", depending on the specific context.

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

"Define oneself" implies a more active and deliberate process of shaping one's identity, while "identify oneself" often refers to stating or recognizing one's existing characteristics or affiliations. Defining is about creation; identifying is about recognition.