selfdom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Literary/Archaic)Literary, Poetic, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “selfdom” mean?
One's own individuality.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One's own individuality; personal identity.
The state or quality of being an individual self; the realm of one's personal existence, character, or uniqueness. It can also imply self-sufficiency or independence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes a deep, philosophical introspection. In either variety, it sounds formal, old-fashioned, or consciously artistic.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern spoken or written English in both the UK and US. Almost exclusively found in older literary texts, philosophical discourse, or modern poetic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “selfdom” in a Sentence
[possessive pronoun] + selfdom (e.g., *his selfdom*)the + selfdom + of + [possessive noun/pronoun] (e.g., *the selfdom of the artist*)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely, in philosophy, psychology, or literary theory to discuss concepts of personal identity.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Extremely rare; 'selfhood' or 'identity' are vastly preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “selfdom”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “selfdom”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “selfdom”
- Using it in casual conversation. Treating it as synonymous with 'selfishness' (it is not).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare, literary, and somewhat archaic. Learners are unlikely to encounter it outside of specific philosophical or poetic contexts.
They are near synonyms. 'Selfhood' is more commonly used and focuses on the condition of having a self. 'Selfdom' is rarer and can subtly imply the *domain* or *kingdom* of the self.
Only if you are writing in a literary or philosophical style where such elevated vocabulary is appropriate. In most academic essays, 'identity', 'individuality', or 'selfhood' are clearer and more standard choices.
No, 'selfdom' is a noun. There is no standard verb '*to selfdom'.
One's own individuality.
Selfdom is usually literary, poetic, archaic in register.
Selfdom: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛlfdəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛlfdəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for this rare word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Self' + 'kingdom'. Your 'selfdom' is the personal kingdom of your own identity.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF IS A DOMAIN/REALM ('the realm of the self'), SELF IS A POSSESSION ('one's selfdom').
Practice
Quiz
'Selfdom' is most closely associated with which of the following concepts?