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.

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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

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Usage

See myself.

Etymology

Origin of itself

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

itself

In contrast, La Liga immediately distanced itself from what Mbappe said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 29, 2026

The debates hit hard in Massachusetts, which has long prided itself on a top-tier public education.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026

So we did what you’re “supposed” to do in certain socioeconomic spheres after you’ve gotten married and had a kid: We decided we would make our family an island unto itself.

From Slate ● Oct. 28, 2026

They also argued that AB 3233 is itself unlawful and does not give the city authority over oil operations governed by state and federal law.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026

East beyond the snow cave -beyond the ice river itself the High Mountains were terrifyingly close.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

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