C1 [ C or U ] plural selves the set of someone's characteristics, such as personality and ability, that are not physical and make that person different from other people: The hero of the movie finally finds his true self (= discovers what his true personality and feelings are).

, plural selves [selvz]. a person or thing referred to with respect to complete individuality: one's own self. a person's nature, character, etc.: his better self.

It refers what how you judge yourself, how you think others judge you, how you imagine and think about your body, and what you believe others think of you. In a matter of speaking, the self refers to “what it’s like to be you.” The self is a mental model you have of yourself, an idea, a concept or way of thinking.