define yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define yourself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to express their identity, values, or beliefs, often in a personal or introspective context. Example: "In this workshop, we will explore how to define yourself and articulate your personal brand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

How do you define yourself?

The Guardian - Opinion

Do you define yourself through it?

The Guardian - Books

' Do you define yourself as British?

The Guardian

You define yourself by what outrages you".

The New York Times

"You define yourself by what offends you.

The New York Times

" 'Don't define yourself by your job,' they say".

The New York Times - Arts

"It's too early to really define yourself," Phillips said.

The New York Times - Sports

Do you define yourself as a vegetarian or a vegan?

The Guardian - Music

You define yourself in terms of who your friends are".

The New York Times

So, how would you define yourself by culture then?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Define yourself as someone who is a winner here".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "define yourself", consider the specific context. Are you referring to personal identity, professional branding, or a more abstract concept? Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid defining yourself solely based on external achievements or opinions. While external factors can influence your self-perception, a healthy sense of self comes from internal values and beliefs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define yourself" functions as an imperative verb phrase, urging the listener or reader to actively engage in the process of self-identification and self-expression. Ludwig provides examples where it's used in contexts ranging from personal identity to political and artistic expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "define yourself" is a common and grammatically correct imperative, used to encourage self-reflection and articulation of personal identity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, media, and general online content, often prompting individuals to express their values, beliefs, and characteristics. While versatile, it's crucial to avoid defining oneself solely through external validation. Instead, focus on internal values and beliefs to cultivate a resilient and authentic sense of self. Consider related phrases like "determine your identity" or "articulate your essence" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine your identity

Focuses on establishing a clear sense of who you are.

establish your persona

Emphasizes the image you project to others.

articulate your essence

Highlights expressing your fundamental nature.

discover your true self

Implies a process of uncovering a hidden or authentic identity.

express your individuality

Stresses the uniqueness of your characteristics.

understand your values

Highlights the importance of recognizing the principles that guide your actions.

shape your character

Focuses on the active construction of your moral and ethical traits.

craft your narrative

Implies creating a story about who you are and your experiences.

know thyself

Classical expression for understanding one's own nature and limitations.

portray yourself

Highlights the act of presenting oneself in a specific way.

FAQs

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

You can use "define yourself" to encourage someone to express their identity, values, or beliefs. For instance: "How do you "define yourself" as a leader?"

What's a good alternative to "define yourself"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "determine your identity", "establish your persona", or "articulate your essence".

Is it better to let others define you, or should you "define yourself"?

It's generally better to ""define yourself"" rather than letting others do it for you. Taking control of your self-definition allows you to shape your own narrative and identity.

What happens if you don't "define yourself"?

If you don't ""define yourself"", others may impose their own definitions on you, which might not align with your true values or aspirations.