Selves vs. Self: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed & Dua Fatima || Published on July 28, 2024
"Selves" is the plural form of "self," referring to multiple instances or expressions of an individual's identity or personality. "Self" denotes a single individual's identity, consciousness, or essence.
Key Differences
The term "self" is used to describe an individual's unique identity, encompassing their consciousness, personality, and sense of individuality. It represents a singular entity, focusing on one's internal experience and awareness as a distinct, autonomous being. On the other hand, "selves" is the plural form of "self," used when referring to multiple aspects of identity within one individual or across multiple individuals. The use of "selves" acknowledges the complexity of human identity, suggesting that individuals can embody multiple personas or aspects of their identity in different contexts.
Dua Fatima
Jul 28, 2024
Selves is central to discussions in psychology, philosophy, and sociology, where it is analyzed to understand human behavior, identity formation, and the individual's relationship to society. In psychological and sociological discussions, this term can highlight the multifaceted nature of the self, reflecting on how different environments, roles, and relationships can influence and bring forth different "selves."
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 28, 2024
While "self" emphasizes the unity and coherence of an individual's identity, "selves" suggests diversity and multiplicity within or across individuals' identities. This distinction is crucial in understanding the dynamics of personal development, social interaction, and the psychological underpinnings of identity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 28, 2024
In practical terms, when one speaks of self-improvement, self-awareness, or self-esteem, the focus is on enhancing or understanding one’s singular identity and experiences. Conversely, discussing how individuals navigate different social roles or the concept of having conflicting desires or beliefs within oneself might involve acknowledging one's "selves" to appreciate the complexity and dynamism of human identity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 28, 2024
Comparison Chart
Definition
Singular identity, consciousness, or essence of an individual
Plural form indicating multiple identities or aspects within or across individuals
Dua Fatima
Jul 28, 2024
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Usage
Refers to a single individual’s identity and personal experience
Used to discuss the multiplicity and diversity of identities within or among individuals
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 28, 2024
Context
Psychology, philosophy, personal development
Psychology, sociology, discussions on identity complexity
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 28, 2024
Implications
Unity, coherence, individuality
Diversity, multiplicity, varied expressions of identity
Dua Fatima
Jul 28, 2024
Example Phrase
"Understanding one's self is key to personal growth."
"People often display different selves in different contexts."
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 28, 2024
Selves and Self Definitions
Selves
Used in compounds to denote a particular aspect of an individual.
Self-esteem is how one values oneself.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
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Self
Discussing the diversity within one's identity.
Understanding our multiple selves can lead to greater self-acceptance.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Selves
The individual's identity or personal essence.
Self-awareness is crucial for personal development.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Used to describe the different roles one assumes in society.
Her professional and personal selves rarely intersect.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Selves
A reference to one's own person, especially in contrast to others.
Taking care of your self is important for overall well-being.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Sociology and psychology's examination of varied identities.
The concept of selves is vital in understanding social behavior.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
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Selves
Philosophical concept referring to the conscious being.
The study of the self has fascinated philosophers for centuries.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Plural indicating multiple aspects of identity within an individual.
We navigate our daily lives through our various selves.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Selves
Psychological focus on individual identity.
Self-concept is central to many theories of psychology.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Reflecting on the multiplicity of human personality.
The novel explores the protagonist's struggle between his competing selves.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
The total, essential, or particular being of a person; the individual
"An actor's instrument is the self" (Joan Juliet Buck).
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
The essential qualities distinguishing one person from another; individuality
"He would walk a little first along the southern walls, shed his European self, fully enter this world" (Howard Kaplan).
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
One's consciousness of one's own being or identity; the ego
"For some of us, the self's natural doubts are given in mesmerizing amplification by way of critics' negative assessments of our writing" (Joyce Carol Oates).
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
(Immunology) That which the immune system identifies as belonging to the body
Tissues no longer recognized as self.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Of the same material as the article with which it is used
A dress with a self belt.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Self
(obsolete) Himself, herself, itself, themselves; that specific (person mentioned).
This argument was put forward by the defendant self.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Myself.
I made out a cheque, payable to self, which cheered me up somewhat.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Self
One individual's personality, character, demeanor, or disposition.
One's true self; one's better self; one's former self
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Self
The subject of one's own experience of phenomena: perception, emotions, thoughts.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
An individual person as the object of the person's own reflective consciousness (plural selves).
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Any molecule, cell, or tissue of an organism's own (belonging to the self), as opposed to a foreign (nonself) molecule, cell, or tissue (for example, infective, allogenic, or xenogenic).
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Self
(botany) To fertilise by the same individual; to self-fertilise or self-pollinate.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Having its own or a single nature or character throughout, as in colour, composition, etc., without addition or change; of the same kind; unmixed.
A self bow: one made from a single piece of wood
A self flower or plant: one which is wholly of one colour
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Of or relating to any molecule, cell, or tissue of an organism's own (belonging to the self), as opposed to a foreign (nonself) molecule, cell, or tissue (for example, infective, allogenic, or xenogenic).
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Same; particular; very; identical.
To shoot another arrow that self wayWhich you did shoot the first.
At that self moment enters Palamon.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Having its own or a single nature or character, as in color, composition, etc., without addition or change; unmixed; as, a self bow, one made from a single piece of wood; self flower or plant, one which is wholly of one color; self-colored.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
The individual as the object of his own reflective consciousness; the man viewed by his own cognition as the subject of all his mental phenomena, the agent in his own activities, the subject of his own feelings, and the possessor of capacities and character; a person as a distinct individual; a being regarded as having personality.
A man's self may be the worst fellow to converse with in the world.
The self, the I, is recognized in every act of intelligence as the subject to which that act belongs. It is I that perceive, I that imagine, I that remember, I that attend, I that compare, I that feel, I that will, I that am conscious.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Hence, personal interest, or love of private interest; selfishness; as, self is his whole aim.
Dua Fatima
Mar 07, 2024
Self
Used as a combining form; relating to--of or by or to or from or for--the self;
Self-knowledge
Self-proclaimed
Self-induced
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 07, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can an individual have multiple selves?
Yes, individuals can embody multiple selves, reflecting the different roles, behaviors, and identities they adopt in different situations.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 28, 2024
What does it mean to be self-aware?
Being self-aware means having a clear understanding of one’s own personality, including strengths, weaknesses, thoughts, beliefs, motivation, and emotions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 28, 2024
What is the self?
The self refers to an individual's singular identity, encompassing their consciousness, personality, and sense of individuality.
Dua Fatima
Jul 28, 2024
Why do we use the term "selves"?
"Selves" is used to acknowledge the complexity and multiplicity of identity, reflecting the different aspects or personas an individual may express in various contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 28, 2024
How do different contexts influence our selves?
Different contexts can bring out different selves, as individuals adapt their behavior, attitudes, and perceptions based on social settings, expectations, and relationships.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 28, 2024
What role does self-esteem play in the self?
Self-esteem reflects one’s overall subjective emotional evaluation of their own worth, playing a crucial role in the self-concept and personal well-being.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 28, 2024
How is the self studied in psychology?
In psychology, the self is studied to understand aspects like self-concept, self-esteem, and identity formation, focusing on how individuals perceive and express themselves.
Dua Fatima
Jul 28, 2024
How do our selves change over time?
Our selves can evolve with experiences, personal growth, changes in social roles, and shifts in personal beliefs and values, reflecting the dynamic nature of identity.
Dua Fatima
Jul 28, 2024
Is the concept of selves recognized in all cultures?
Yes, though the understanding and emphasis on individual vs. collective selves may vary, the concept of multiple identities or roles is recognized across cultures.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 28, 2024
Can the study of selves help in personal development?
Yes, studying the concept of selves can facilitate personal growth by promoting self-reflection, understanding of social dynamics, and adaptation to diverse situations.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 28, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Co-written by
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
