itself

[it-self]

pronoun

1. a reflexive form of it.

   The battery recharges itself.

2. an emphatic appositive of it, which, that, this, or a noun.

   which itself is also true; Even without flowers, the bowl itself is beautiful.

3. (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.

4. its normal or customary self.

   After much tender care, the puppy was soon itself again.

itself

/ ɪtˈsɛlf /

pronoun

1. 1. the reflexive form of it 1

   2. (intensifier)

      even the money itself won't convince me

2. (preceded by a copula) its normal or usual self

   my cat isn't itself today

Usage

See myself.

Word History and Origins

Origin of itself¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English hit self. See it ¹, self

Example Sentences

When Lincoln first took office in 1861, Douglass faulted him for his apparent caution, his willingness to preserve the Union without striking at slavery itself.

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Reform won only 495 votes four years ago but found itself in a battle with Plaid Cymru, coming second with 36% of the vote.

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Most of the migrants who have died in the Mediterranean had departed from Libya, the IOM director general said, making the route itself especially risky.

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The country has poured support and investment into developing its science and technology sectors, part of ongoing efforts to present itself as a world leader in those areas ahead of Washington.

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It said the company itself was not being investigated because of whistleblower employees who contributed to the complaint and helped "prevent the continuation of the allegedly criminal activity".

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