self-made man — A man who has succeeded in life through his own efforts, without help from family wealth or connections
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A man who has succeeded in life through his own efforts, without help from family wealth or connections
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈself ˌmeɪd ˈmæn/
Example Sentences
- Steve Jobs was considered a self-made man who built Apple from a garage.
- He proudly calls himself a self-made man, conveniently forgetting his wealthy uncle's 'small loan' of a million dollars.
- The self-made man's autobiography inspired thousands of young entrepreneurs.
self-made man
NOUN[/ˈself ˌmeɪd ˈmæn/]
A man who has succeeded in life through his own efforts, without help from family wealth or connections
From shining shoes as a boy to owning the skyline — a true self-made man.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase emerged in 19th-century America as a symbol of pioneering spirit and the American Dream. It describes a person who has achieved success through acquired effort and personal determination rather than inherited advantage or circumstance.
Breakdown
self- (by oneself, independently) + made (created, built) + man (person). The compound literally means 'a person who has made himself,' emphasizing individual agency and self-determination in achieving success.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Steve Jobs was considered a self-made man who built Apple from a garage.”
“He proudly calls himself a self-made man, conveniently forgetting his wealthy uncle's 'small loan' of a million dollars.”
“The self-made man's autobiography inspired thousands of young entrepreneurs.”
“My neighbor claims to be a self-made man, but I've seen his mom doing his laundry every week.”
📚Related Words
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