An individual's overall subjective evaluation of their own worth, value, and competence.
From Old English 'self' + Latin 'aestimare' meaning 'to estimate, appraise, value.'
Self-esteem is how much you value yourself — not arrogance, but a quiet inner confidence that says 'I matter and I'm good enough.'
Self-esteem frameworks historically pathologized women's interdependence as low self-worth; masculine autonomy-based models dominated psychology. Modern research recognizes relational self-esteem equally valid.
Avoid framing independence as default healthy self-esteem. Acknowledge relational and collective self-esteem as valid variants.
["self-regard","self-worth","confidence"]
Women psychologists (e.g., Harriet Lerner, Carol Gilligan) reframed self-esteem to honor relational development; their work restored legitimacy to interdependence-based identity.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.