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

"But now we have the clearest evidence yet that it's not the oil itself, or even linoleic acid. It's what the fat turns into inside the body."

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As a program that defines itself by championships, the Trojans measure success on a binary scale.

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But given that free speech itself may hang in the balance, it’s at least worth a try.

Read more on Salon

Instead, quantum physics makes it possible to transfer information from one photon to another as long as the information itself remains unknown.

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Following the latest capitulation and an 11th home Test defeat in 12 games, Welsh rugby does find itself on life support.

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