Selfnesses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality or state of being self-centered or focused on oneself
2. a sense of individuality marked by the awareness of one’s own interests or feelings
3. the condition of emphasizing personal identity and existence separate from others

Etymology: The formation of this noun is a straightforward extension of English word-building patterns, combining the root "self" with the suffix "-ness," which turns adjectives or pronouns into abstract nouns. "Self" is an Old English word, "seolf" or "self," meaning one's own person or identity. It has been a fundamental concept in English since its earliest records, referring to the individual as distinct from others. Adding "-ness," a suffix that originated in Old English as "-nes(s)" and denotes a state or quality, transforms "self" into "selfness," meaning the quality or state of being oneself or possessing individuality. While "selfness" itself is relatively rare and somewhat abstract, it follows a recognizable pattern seen in many English nouns that describe qualities or conditions, such as "kindness" or "darkness." The plural form "selfnesses" is simply the regular pluralization of the noun, indicating multiple instances or varieties of this quality. The word as a whole carries an abstract philosophical or psychological nuance, often used to discuss concepts related to identity, consciousness, or personal essence. Its usage, while uncommon, fits within English’s productive capabilities for turning simple roots into nuanced abstractions through suffixation.

Synonyms: individuality, identity

Antonyms: otherness