Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
itself [it-self] ExamplesWord Origin pronoun
- a reflexive form of it1: The battery recharges itself.
- an emphatic appositive of it1, which, that, this, or a noun: which itself is also true; Even without flowers, the bowl itself is beautiful.
- (used as the object of a preposition or as the direct or indirect object of a verb): The chameleon’s ability to change color is a protection for itself.
- its normal or customary self: After much tender care, the puppy was soon itself again.
Origin of itself before 1000; Middle English; Old English hit self. See it1, self Usage note See myself. Examples from the Web for itself Contemporary Examples of itself
“Gronkowski” itself never manages to sound more erotic than the name of a hearty Polish stew or a D-list WWE performer.
‘A Gronking to Remember’ Speed Read: 8 Naughtiest Bits
Emily Shire
January 7, 2015
Finding the shop is a trip in itself and an introduction to a slice of history.
The Photographer Who Gave Up Manhattan for Marrakech
Liza Foreman
January 6, 2015
This initiative had the support of all 22 members of the Arab League, which in and of itself is remarkable.
In the Middle East, the Two-State Solution Is Dead
Dean Obeidallah
January 2, 2015
Google itself has taken a break and put plans for mass production on hold.
You Were Wrong About Miley & Bitcoin: 2014’s Failed Predictions
Nina Strochlic
December 31, 2014
In the city of Mosul itself it seems as though ISIS is at a loss.
Has the Kurdish Victory at Sinjar Turned the Tide of ISIS War?
Niqash
December 27, 2014
Historical Examples of itself
The fable is fanciful and pleasing in itself; but will it not hereafter be believed as reality?
Lydia Maria Child
There was no such thing then as a citizen of the United States of and by itself.
Charles Francis Adams
Every family lived and hunted and worked and died for and by itself.
Hendrik Willem van Loon
It speaks for itself and will be of increasing influence as the years go by.
United States Presidents’ Inaugural Speeches
Various
Everywhere we see the seeds of the same growth that America itself has known.
United States Presidents’ Inaugural Speeches
Various
British Dictionary definitions for itself itself pronoun
-
- the reflexive form of it 1
- (intensifier)even the money itself won’t convince me
- (preceded by a copula) its normal or usual selfmy cat isn’t itself today
Word Origin and History for itself pron.
late 14c., from Old English hit sylf, from it + self. Since 17c. usually regarded as its self (cf. its own self).