"Self-abasement" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Self-abasement" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers

Self-abasement

"Self-abasement" Meaning

Self-abasement is the act of deliberately humiliating or degrading oneself, often through excessive humility or a loss of pride or dignity. It involves a deliberate effort to reduce one's own self-esteem or social status, or to bring oneself low in the eyes of others.

This behavior can be motivated by a need for acceptance, a sense of guilt, shame, or a desire to appease others. Self-abasement can take many forms, including an excessive focus on one's own flaws or mistakes, self-deprecation, apologetic behavior, or a tendency to seek constant validation and approval from others.

In extreme cases, self-abasement can be a form of self-destructive behavior, potentially leading to feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem, or even depression.

"Self-abasement" Examples

Examples of Using the Word "self-abasement"

1. Historical Context

During the Chinese Imperial examination system, which lasted from 605 to 1905, it was common for students to perform self-abasement to demonstrate their dedication to their studies. This often involved a student spending entire days and even months without speaking to others, focusing solely on studying.

2. Psychoanalytical Perspective

In psychoanalytic psychology, self-abasement can sometimes be a defense mechanism where an individual diminishes themselves or reduces their self-esteem as a way of coping with feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy. Such behaviors might be seen in cases of depression.

3. Philosophical Discussion

Immanuel Kant's Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals delves into the theme of autonomy, suggesting that true morality comes from acting upon a maxim that we would will into universal law. However, in certain philosophical discussions, the concept of self-abasement might be seen as a form of moral weakness, where an individual surrenders their autonomy under external pressure or due to a lack of confidence in their moral compass.

4. Clinical Vocabulary

In clinical settings, the term self-abasement might be used to describe behaviors where an individual excessively seeks approval or validation from others by sacrificing their own interests or dignity. This can be a sign of underlying issues, including low self-esteem or borderline personality disorder.

5. Literary and Symbolic Context

In literature, self-abasement can be used metaphorically to describe the stripping away of one's pride or dignity, often symbolizing the harsh realities faced by characters in various narratives. For example, a protagonist might descend into self-abasement to reveal the hollowness of societal expectations.

"Self-abasement" Similar Words

Selenoprotein

Selenosis

Selestat

Seleucia

Seleucia (or Seleuceia) refers to: 1. Seleucia, a city in ancient Mesopotamia, which was a capital of the Seleucid Empire in the 3rd century BC. It was founded by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander the Great's generals, and was an important cultural and economic center. 2. Seleucia (Euphratensis), an ancient city in the region of Syria, founded by Seleucus I Nicator in the 3rd century BC. 3. Seleucia Pieria, an ancient city on the eastern coast of Syria, founded by Seleucus I Nicator in the 3rd century BC. It was an important port city and a major center of trade. 4. Seleucia Damascena, an ancient city in the region of Syria, known for its strategic location and cultural significance. Overall, Seleucia or Seleuceia refers to an ancient city or region in the ancient Near East, often associated with the Seleucid Empire.

Seleucians

The Seleucians, also known as the Seleucid Empire, were a Hellenistic dynasty that established itself in the Middle East after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. They were the successors of Alexander and controlled a vast portion of his empire, stretching from modern-day Turkey to India. The Seleucid Empire was founded by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander's generals, who defeated his rivals to become the ruler of a significant portion of Alexander's empire. The Seleucians were known for their Hellenistic culture and traditions, which they imposed on their vast territories. They built cities, roads, and monuments in the Greek style, and promoted the spread of Greek language and knowledge. The Seleucid Empire played a significant role in the history of the ancient world, particularly in the areas of trade, culture, and science. They facilitated the exchange of ideas and goods between the Mediterranean and the Indian subcontinent, and their patronage of scholars and scientists led to significant contributions in fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. However, the Seleucid Empire eventually declined due to a combination of internal conflicts, external pressures, and the rise of rival powers such as the Parthians and the Romans.

Seleucid

Seleucids

Seleucus

Self-abasing

Self-abnegating

Self-abnegation

Self-abnegation is the act of denying or sacrificing one's own interests, desires, or needs for the benefit of others. It involves putting the interests of others before one's own, and making personal sacrifices in order to help or support someone else. In some cases, self-abnegation can be taken to an extreme, where an individual prioritizes others' needs so highly that their own needs are neglected or ignored. For example, a person who works tirelessly for a charity without demanding fair compensation or recognition would be demonstrating self-abnegation. Another example would be a parent who sacrifices their own career goals and aspirations to care for their disabled child.