Self-Reflection Vocabulary

noun the process of becoming deeper or more intense

verb to make or become deeper

adjective having great depth or intensity

• The deepening of our understanding of the topic will require further research.
• We need to dig deeper to really get what's going on.
• Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and really understand this.
• As time passes, the bond between us keeps deepening.

noun A book in which one keeps a daily record of events, experiences, and personal thoughts

• She diligently wrote in her diary every evening, documenting her thoughts and experiences.
• I spilled coffee on my diary, now all my secrets are smudged.
• I keep a diary to spill all the tea on my day.
• His diary was a window into his soul, revealing his innermost thoughts and emotions.

noun a word or affix that serves to indicate or express a grammatical feature

adjective relating to or involved in the forming of something; shaping

• The formative years of a child's development are crucial for their future success.
• My formative years were spent living in a small town with my family.
• Dude, those formative times in college were wild!
• Just like a potter molds clay, our experiences shape us during our formative years.

adjective directed or proceeding towards the inside; coming in or going inwards

adverb towards the inside or centre

• She turned her attention inward to reflect on her actions.
• When faced with a difficult decision, he tends to look inward for answers.
• I need to do some serious inward thinking before I make a decision.
• His inward struggle with self-doubt was evident in his hesitant actions.

noun a brief glance or view

verb to turn one's gaze or attention in the opposite direction

adverb in a direction towards a previous point or time

• It is important to look back on past decisions to learn from them.
• Hey, let's look back at those old photos from our trip.
• Dude, don't look back on that relationship, it's over.
• Sometimes we need to look back in order to move forward in life.

noun a synonym for birthday

• On her natal day, she received many well-wishes from friends and family.
• We're throwing a party for his natal day next weekend.
• Let's celebrate your natal day with a bang!
• The company's anniversary can be considered its natal day in the business world.

verb An action word that expresses a state of being or occurrence. In this case, 'compare' is the verb in the phrase 'not compare'.

adverb A word that modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb. 'Not' is an adverb that negates the action of the verb 'compare'.

• One should not compare apples to oranges when analyzing scientific data.
• I know you like both bands, but let's not compare them and just enjoy the music.
• Don't even try to compare my cooking to yours - mine is way better!
• His talent cannot be compared to anyone else's; he is truly one of a kind.

verb to unfold, reveal, or make accessible

adverb in a way that allows access or entrance

• The company plans to open up new markets in Asia next year.
• Let's open up a discussion about our upcoming project.
• I heard the new club is going to open up this weekend.
• Learning to trust others can really help you open up emotionally.

verb to remember or recall something from memory

• After much reflection, he recollected the events of that fateful day.
• I finally recollected where I left my keys after searching for hours.
• I totally recollected that awesome party we went to last weekend.
• As she listened to the music, memories began to recollect in her mind.

verb to think deeply or carefully about something

preposition used to indicate the action of thinking about something deeply or carefully

• It is important to take time to reflect upon your actions and decisions.
• Hey, let's sit down and reflect upon what happened yesterday.
• Dude, we need to chill and reflect upon our lives, man.
• The still water of the lake reflects upon the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

adjective feeling or showing regret

• She felt regretful for not attending the important meeting.
• He was so regretful about missing the concert last night.
• I'm totally regretful for not saving enough money for the trip.
• The decision to sell the house was regretful in the long run.

verb to consider or ponder carefully

adverb used to describe the action of thinking over

• I need some time to think over your proposal before making a decision.
• Let me think over your offer and get back to you later.
• I'll need to think this over before I commit to anything.
• She asked me to think over my priorities and make a decision.

noun a word (a brief conversation or discussion)

verb have (to engage in)

pronoun yourself (referring to the person being addressed)

preposition with (indicating the person with whom the conversation is to take place)

• I suggest you have a word with yourself before making any hasty decisions.
• Dude, you really need to have a word with yourself about your priorities.
• Hey, mate, you seriously need to have a word with yourself about your behavior.
• Sometimes you just need to have a word with yourself and figure out what you really want in life.