itself

American  

[it-self] / ɪtˈsɛlf /

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 British  

/ 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.

Etymology

Origin of itself

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

itself

"It'll destroy its credibility and make itself even more vulnerable to these unfair attacks from the United States."

From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026

Lululemon didn’t help itself when it mistakenly brought out Japanese drums at a brand event in May at the Great Wall of China, triggering a wave of nationalist anger.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

But now the streaming service’s ratings are tumbling—and it has only itself to blame.

From Slate ● Jul. 23, 2026

I’d rather see an empty-feeling shot than something filled out by AI — at least the material’s quality could speak for itself.

From Salon ● Jul. 23, 2026

“A farm don’t run itself, in case you ain’t heard.”

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck