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Selfsame Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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selfsame

[ˌsɛlfˈseɪm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

identity emphasis

The term 'selfsame' refers to something that is the same as itself or identical. It emphasizes a strong sense of sameness or authenticity.

Synonyms

duplicate, equal, identical, same.

Examples of usage

  • He always wears the selfsame shirt to every occasion.
  • The selfsame problems keep arising in every meeting.
  • Amidst the chaos, his selfsame attitude never changed.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The phrase has appeared in notable works, including Shakespeare's plays, highlighting its literary significance.
  • Authors have used 'selfsame' to provoke thought about identity and the concept of being both self and other.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often debate the nature of self-identity, using concepts like 'selfsame' to discuss what it means to be oneself over time.
  • The term encourages exploration of personal continuity versus change, central to many philosophical inquiries.

Theology

  • In theological discussions, 'selfsame' can refer to the identity of a deity, emphasizing the notion that the divine remains unchanged across time.
  • Religious texts sometimes use the concept to signify the eternal nature of spiritual truths and identities.

Cultural Usage

  • 'Selfsame' can be found in modern vernacular, often employed to express sameness in personal characteristics or shared experiences.
  • In popular culture, the term sometimes appears in music and film to convey themes of unity and sameness in relationships.

Origin of 'selfsame'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'self-same', combining 'self' meaning one's own and 'same' meaning identical.
  • Its use can be traced back to ancient texts where it emphasized similarity or sameness in identity.

The word 'selfsame' has its roots in Middle English, deriving from the combination of 'self' and 'same'. 'Self' traces back to Old English 'self', which meant 'same, identical'. The term 'same' comes from the Old English 'same', meaning 'similar, identical'. Together, they emphasize the concept of identity, highlighting that the entity is not just similar but is literally the same as itself. The usage of 'selfsame' can be found in 14th-century literature as a way to stress that something is the exact same thing, often used in poetic or rhetorical contexts to evoke a sense of constancy or unwavering identity.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,083, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.