Identity & Self Vocabulary

a mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual

“His idiosyncrasy of humming while working annoyed his colleagues.”

Origin: Greek idios `own, private` + synkrasis `mixture`

a distinctive characteristic or mark that identifies something

“The architect's fingerprint was visible in every curve of the building.”

Origin: English finger + print, from the unique impression of finger ridges

a distinctive feature, especially one of excellence

“Attention to detail is the hallmark of her work.”

Origin: English hall (Goldsmiths' Hall in London) + mark, from official stamps on gold/silver

the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class

“He was the quintessence of professionalism.”

Origin: Latin quinta essentia `fifth essence`, the purest form of matter in medieval philosophy

a person's distinct nature or character, especially as it affects their behavior

“She has a calm and artistic temperament.”

Origin: Latin temperamentum `correct mixture`, from temperare `to mix properly`

a distinctive pattern, product, or characteristic by which someone or something can be identified

“The chef's signature dish was known throughout the city.”

Origin: Latin signatura `a marking`, from signare `to sign, mark`

a person's inherent qualities of mind and character

“He has a cheerful disposition even in difficult times.”

Origin: Latin dispositio `arrangement`, from disponere `to arrange`

a very typical example of a certain person or thing

“He is the archetype of the successful entrepreneur.”

Origin: Greek arkhetypon `original pattern`, from arkhe `beginning` + typos `model`

belonging naturally; essential

“Access to the arts is intrinsic to a high quality of life.”

Origin: Latin intrinsecus `inwardly, on the inside`, from intra `within` + secus `alongside`

existing or operating within; inherent

“The principles of justice are immanent in the human spirit.”

Origin: Latin immanere `to remain in`, from in- `in` + manere `to remain`

the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations

“The company's ethos is built on trust and transparency.”

Origin: Greek ethos `nature, disposition, character`

the aspect of someone's character that is presented to or perceived by others

“His public persona is very different from his private self.”

Origin: Latin persona `mask used by actors, character in a play`

the process of becoming a distinct individual

“Adolescence is a critical period for individuation.”

Origin: Latin individuus `indivisible`, from in- `not` + dividuus `divisible`

without an equal in quality or extent; matchless

“Her incomparable talent set her apart from her peers.”

Origin: Latin incomparabilis, from in- `not` + comparabilis `comparable`

the process by which a person controls their own life

“Education is a key factor in self-determination.”

Origin: English self + Latin determinare `to limit, determine`, from de- `completely` + terminus `boundary`

the right or condition of self-government

“The manager gave her team significant autonomy.”

Origin: Greek autonomia `independence`, from autos `self` + nomos `law`

the state, fact, quality, or condition of being singular

“The singularity of his voice made him instantly recognizable.”

Origin: Latin singularis `alone, single`, from singulus `one by one`