self-portrait: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
mediumneutral
Quick answer
What does “self-portrait” mean?
A portrait that an artist creates of themselves.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portrait that an artist creates of themselves.
Any form of self-representation in art, such as in painting, photography, or literature, often expressing the artist's identity or inner state.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in spelling or usage; the word is identical in both variants.
Connotations
Similarly connoted with art and self-expression in both British and American cultures.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects, primarily in art-related discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “self-portrait” in a Sentence
[artist]'s self-portraita self-portrait in [medium]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in marketing for art-related products or services.
Academic
Common in art history, psychology, and literature studies for analyzing self-representation.
Everyday
Used in conversations about art, photography, or personal creative projects.
Technical
Employed in art criticism, photography, and digital media to describe self-created portraits.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-portrait”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-portrait”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-portrait”
- Misspelling as 'self-portait' (missing 'r'), or confusing with 'selfie', which is more casual and digital.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can refer to any medium, including photography, sculpture, or digital art.
'Self-portrait' is formal and artistic, often with intentional composition, while 'selfie' is informal, typically a quick self-photo with a smartphone.
In standard English, 'self-portrait' is primarily a noun; using it as a verb (e.g., 'to self-portrait') is non-standard and rare.
Notable examples include works by artists like Rembrandt, Frida Kahlo, and Vincent van Gogh, each showcasing unique styles and personal expression.
A portrait that an artist creates of themselves.
Self-portrait is usually neutral in register.
Self-portrait: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself ˈpɔːtreɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself ˈpɔːrtrət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'self' (yourself) + 'portrait' (picture) = a picture of yourself.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often used as a metaphor for self-awareness or introspection, like 'a window into the soul'.
Practice
Quiz
What best defines a self-portrait?