self-knowledge
nounUK /ˌsɛlfˈnɒl.ɪdʒ/ · US /ˌsɛlfˈnɑl.ɪdʒ/
Etymology From self- + knowledge.
1
Knowledge or insight into one's own character, abilities, feelings, or motivations; self-understanding.
- A girl's love is half poetry, an unconscious preference till startled into self-knowledge. Isabella had been grateful for Mr. Glentworth's kindness—struck with his cultivated mind, and impressed with his distinguished appearance; so were all her sisters; but she alone was timid in expressing that admiration; in her alone had they inspired that feeling, which, shy, vague, and tender, is love.1838 (date written), L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter XI, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], published 1842, →OCLC, page 144: