itself

pronoun

it·self it-ˈself

ət-,

Southern also -ˈsef

: that identical one compare it sense 1

—used reflexively

watched the cat giving itself a bath

, for emphasis

the letter itself was missing

, or in absolute constructions

itself a splendid specimen of classic art, it has been exhibited throughout the world

: its normal, healthy, or sane condition

Phrases

in itself

: in its own nature : intrinsically

was not in itself bad

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of itself was before the 12th century

See more words from the same century

Style

“Itself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/itself. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

itself

pronoun

it·self it-ˈself

ət-

: that identical one

—used to show that the subject and object of the verb are the same

the cat gave itself a bath

or for emphasis

the letter itself was missing

: its normal, healthy, or sane self

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