itself

pronoun

it·​self it-ˈself How to pronounce itself (audio)
ət-,
 Southern also  -ˈsef
1
: 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
2
: its normal, healthy, or sane condition
Phrases
in itself
: in its own nature : intrinsically
was not in itself bad

Word History

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

Dictionary Entries Near itself

Cite this Entry

“Itself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/itself. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

itself

pronoun
it·​self it-ˈself How to pronounce itself (audio)
ət-
1
: 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
2
: its normal, healthy, or sane self

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