Skip to main content

self-control — the ability to control one's emotions, behavior, or desires, especially in difficult situations

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the ability to control one's emotions, behavior, or desires, especially in difficult situations

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsɛlf kənˈtroʊl/

Example Sentences

  • His self-control vanished when he saw the chocolate cake in the fridge at 2 AM.
  • The meditation course helped her develop better self-control in stressful situations.
  • He practiced self-control by counting to ten before responding to annoying emails.

self-control

NOUN

[/ˈsɛlf kənˈtroʊl/]

the ability to control one's emotions, behavior, or desires, especially in difficult situations

He showed self-control and walked past the dessert table without taking a single bite.
💡 Concept

He showed self-control and walked past the dessert table without taking a single bite.

Keep self-control even on patrol!
🎵 Rhyme

Keep self-control even on patrol!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈsɛlf kənˈtroʊl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈsɛlf kənˈtrəʊl/

🌳Etymology

Rootself
Suffix-control

Origin

Self derives from Old Germanic languages meaning 'one's own person or being.' Control comes from Latin contrarotulus, combining contra (against) and rotulus (wheel or roll), originally meaning to check or verify by counter-rolling. Together, self-control emerged in English to denote the ability to regulate one's own emotions and desires.

Breakdown

self (Old Germanic: one's own) + control (Latin contra- [against] + rotulus [wheel/roll], meaning to regulate or restrain). The compound expresses the concept of managing one's own impulses and behavior.

🎵Rhyme

patrol
control
enroll
console

🔗Collocations

exercise self-control
lack self-control
lose self-control
remarkable self-control
self-control techniques
perfect self-control

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“His self-control vanished when he saw the chocolate cake in the fridge at 2 AM.”

“The meditation course helped her develop better self-control in stressful situations.”

“He practiced self-control by counting to ten before responding to annoying emails.”

“Her self-control was tested when her neighbor played loud music during her exam preparation.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.