Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

self-control

/ˌsɛlf kənˈtɹoʊl/

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: 5.02 in modern English

Syllables: self---con-trol
IPA: /ˌsɛlf kənˈtɹoʊl/

16

Scrabble Score

11

Letters

5

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The ability to control one's desires and impulses.

Uncountable

verb

To control oneself or itself.

Intransitive verb; Transitive verb

Example Sentences

"Near-synonym: willpower"
"A review of addiction research, published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, suggests mindful meditation strengthens self-control in smokers, even among those smokers who haven’t set an intention to quit."

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *swé? Proto-Indo-European *selbʰ-der. Proto-Germanic *selbaz Old English self Old English self- Middle English self- English self- English control English self-control From self- + control.

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˌsɛlf kənˈtɹoʊl/
British English: /ˌsɛlf kənˈtɹəʊl/

Usage

Inflected Forms

self-controls (plural) self control (alternative) selfcontrol (alternative) self-controls (present, singular) self-controlling (participle, present) self-controlled (participle, past) self-controlled (past)

Phrases

count to ten

Frequently Paired Words

self-awareness self-criticism count to ten

Synonyms

self-command self-discipline self-mastery self-regulation willpower self-denial self-possession possession will power self-will

Antonyms

undisciplinedness

Rhymes With

whole control role goal soul roll hole bowl rock-and-roll coal poll sole

Questions

How do you pronounce self-control?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˌsɛlf kənˈtɹoʊl/.
What does self-control mean?: The ability to control one's desires and impulses.
Where does self-control come from?: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *swé? Proto-Indo-European *selbʰ-der. Proto-Germanic *selbaz Old English self Old English self- Middle English self- English self- English control English self-control From self- + control.

How to pronounce self-control

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “self-control”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˌsɛlf kənˈtɹoʊl/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “self-control”.
Repeat and practice — Say “self-control” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.