soul-searching
UK[ˈsəʊl ˌsɜːtʃɪŋ]US[ˈsoʊl ˌsɜːrtʃɪŋ]
n
deep and careful thought about your feelings and motives, especially to find out if you have done anything wrong.
Morpheme Breakdown
soul
searching
soul
spirit
searching
examining
Etymology
the compound "soul-searching" is a modern english formation, emerging in the early 20th century. it combines the old english word "soul," which denotes the inner essence or spiritual core of a person, with the present participle "searching," implying a thorough and probing examination. the term metaphorically extends the act of physical investigation to the introspective realm, creating a vivid image of one meticulously examining their own conscience, motives, and fundamental beliefs. this logical blend of concrete action and abstract inner space perfectly encapsulates the process of deep moral or emotional introspection.
Analysis
Structure: soul (spirit) + searching (examining)
soul (old english, meaning the spiritual or immaterial part of a person); searching (from old english sēarian, meaning to examine or investigate thoroughly).
Examples
after the failed project, the team engaged in some serious soul-searching to understand what went wrong.
her decision to change careers was preceded by a long period of quiet soul-searching.
the book encourages readers to undertake a journey of honest soul-searching.