oneself

pronoun

one·self (ˌ)wən-ˈself

Southern also -ˈsef

variants or less commonly one's self

(ˌ)wən-

ˌwənz-

: a person's self : one's own self

—used reflexively as object of a preposition or verb or for emphasis in various constructions

It is important to have good feelings about oneself.

: one's normal, healthy, or sane condition or self

the need to protect oneself from danger

Phrases

be oneself

: to conduct oneself in a usual or fitting manner

under such conditions one could not be oneself

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of oneself was in 1540

See more words from the same year

Style

“Oneself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oneself. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

oneself

pronoun

one·self (ˌ)wən-ˈself

: one's own self

one can feel proud of oneself

: one's normal or healthy self

Get Word of the Day daily email!