self-regard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal
Quick answer
What does “self-regard” mean?
Consideration for oneself.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Consideration for oneself; regard for one's own interests, well-being, or dignity.
A sense of self-worth, self-respect, or esteem for oneself. Can sometimes imply a critical view of excessive or narcissistic self-involvement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The hyphenated form 'self-regard' is standard in both.
Connotations
Slightly more common in psychological, academic, and formal writing in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech; higher in written discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “self-regard” in a Sentence
[possessive] + self-regard[adjective] + self-regardverb + self-regard (e.g., bolster, damage, maintain)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-regard” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Her self-regarding attitude made collaboration difficult.
American English
- The memoir was criticised for its self-regarding tone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in discussions of leadership, professional development, and workplace psychology (e.g., 'A leader needs healthy self-regard but not arrogance.').
Academic
Common in psychology, sociology, and philosophy texts discussing concepts of self, identity, and moral psychology.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; more likely in serious discussions about personal development or criticism.
Technical
A specific term in psychological assessments and theoretical frameworks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-regard”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-regard”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-regard”
- Using it to mean 'selfishness' (it's about esteem, not action).
- Confusing with 'self-confidence' (which is about belief in abilities, not inherent worth).
- Misspelling as one word 'selfregard'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms. 'Self-regard' often emphasises a more conscious, internalised sense of personal worth and dignity, while 'self-esteem' is a broader, more common psychological term for overall self-evaluation.
Yes, when modified by words like 'excessive', 'bloated', 'narcissistic', or 'unhealthy', it takes on a negative connotation, implying vanity or self-importance.
They are nearly interchangeable. 'Self-respect' is slightly more common and can imply a moral dimension (acting in ways that deserve respect), while 'self-regard' is a more formal, psychological term for the feeling itself.
No, it is a formal, literary, or academic word. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to use 'self-respect', 'self-esteem', or 'pride'.
Consideration for oneself.
Self-regard is usually formal in register.
Self-regard: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself rɪˈɡɑːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself rɪˈɡɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not a common source for idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'REGARD' as looking at something with respect. SELF-REGARD is looking at YOURSELF with that same respect.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF-WORTH IS A VALUABLE POSSESSION (to have/lack self-regard); SELF-REGARD IS A PHYSICAL SUBSTANCE (healthy, fragile, wounded).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'self-regard' most likely to be used positively?