self-representation

noun

self-rep·​re·​sen·​ta·​tion ˌself-ˌre-pri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce self-representation (audio)
-zən-
plural self-representations
: the act or an instance of representing oneself: such as
a
: an artistic likeness or image of oneself
Social media self-representations can be a site for creativity, showcasing photography, clothing ensembles, hair and make-up, making memes and so on.Kate Douglas
The exhibit organizes about 50 paintings into four thematic sections exploring black histories, experiences and self-representations.Pamela Reynold
b
: the act or action of serving as one's own lawyer in a legal matter especially in court
a person's right to self-representation
Experts say financial considerations are at the heart of most self-representations, since legal aid frequently will not cover costs when someone is being tried for a minor offence and can't always be counted on when more serious charges are at play.Michelle McQuigge

Note: In legal terminology, a person who engages in self-representation can be said to be acting pro se or in propria persona.

Examples of self-representation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Several films in the selection speak to the importance of self-representation. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2024 Helping Investors See Themselves In Your Opportunity Communication in investment targeting should not be about self-representation alone. Majeed Javdani, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 His self-representation at the bargaining table has been applauded by astute businesspeople including NBA legend Magic Johnson, a limited partner of the Commanders. Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 9 July 2024 Douglass asserted that photographs gave African Americans the opportunity to control their self-representation. TIME, 6 May 2024 The exhibit’s artworks embody themes of self-representation, status, imagination and family. Rachael Thomas, Essence, 6 May 2024 Carlos Villa Just as in the work of seminal photographers like Graciela Iturbide or Louis Carlos Bernal, Chavarria’s design practice is rooted in a politics of self-representation. Guy Trebay, Town & Country, 26 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-representation was in 1696

Dictionary Entries Near self-representation

Cite this Entry

“Self-representation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-representation. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!