self-reliant
self-ri-LYE-uhnt
/ˌself.rɪˈlaɪ.ənt/
Reliant on one's own powers and resources rather than those of others.
Focuses on the psychological trait of trusting oneself and one's judgment.
The story behind the word. Combines 'self' with 'reliant', which comes from the Latin 'religare' (to bind back). It suggests being bound to oneself rather than to others.
Word relationships
- independent: Independent is broader; self-reliant specifically emphasizes the internal trust in one's own abilities.
- dependent: Dependent implies needing others for emotional or physical support.
Commonly confused with
- self-sufficient: Self-sufficient is about having the 'stuff' you need; self-reliant is about having the 'grit' you need.
Word family
- self-reliance (noun): Reliance on one's own powers and resources.
Collocations
- fiercely self-reliant
- become self-reliant
- self-reliant individual
Example sentences
- "Growing up in a remote area made her incredibly self-reliant and capable of fixing almost anything." Personal Development
- "Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay 'Self-Reliance' is a cornerstone of American transcendentalism." Literature
Memory hook
You 'rely' on your own 'self'. Trusting yourself.
When not to use
Don't use when you mean 'wealthy' or 'resource-rich'; use 'self-sufficient' for that.
Fun facts
- The concept of self-reliance is deeply embedded in the American cultural identity of the 'pioneer'.
Related words
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