oneself

pronoun

one·​self (ˌ)wən-ˈself How to pronounce oneself (audio)
 Southern also  -ˈsef
variants or less commonly one's self
1
: 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.
2
: 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

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oneself was in 1540

Dictionary Entries Near oneself

Cite this Entry

“Oneself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oneself. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

oneself

pronoun
one·​self (ˌ)wən-ˈself How to pronounce oneself (audio)
1
: one's own self
one can feel proud of oneself
2
: one's normal or healthy self

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