oneself

Archaic, one's self

[wuhn-self, wuhnz-]

pronoun

1. a person's self (used for emphasis or reflexively).

   One often hurts oneself accidentally.

oneself

/ wʌnˈsɛlf /

pronoun

1. 1. the reflexive form of one one

   2. (intensifier)

      one doesn't do that oneself

2. (preceded by a copula) one's normal or usual self

   one doesn't feel oneself after such an experience

Word History and Origins

Origin of oneself¹

First recorded in 1540–50; shortened form of one's self

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. by oneself,

   1. without a companion; alone.

   2. through one's own efforts; unaided.

      to become a millionaire by oneself.

2. be oneself,

   1. to be in one's normal state of mind or physical condition.

   2. to be unaffected and sincere.

      One makes more friends by being oneself than by putting on airs.

3. come to oneself, Also come to one's self

   1. Also come to. to regain consciousness.

   2. to regain one's self-possession; come to one's senses.

see avail (oneself) of; be oneself; beside oneself; burn (oneself) out; by oneself; cover one's ass (oneself); crank (oneself) up; do oneself in; excuse me (oneself); exert oneself; explain oneself; express oneself; fall all over (oneself); feel like oneself; find oneself; flatter oneself; fling oneself at; forget oneself; full of oneself; get a grip on (oneself); give a good account of oneself; give of oneself; give (oneself) away; give oneself up; have oneself; hear oneself think; help oneself; keep to oneself; kick oneself; knock oneself out; law unto oneself; lay (oneself) open; leave (oneself) open; let (oneself) go; live with (oneself); lose oneself in; make a laughingstock of oneself; make a name for oneself; make an exhibition of oneself; make a nuisance of oneself; make a pig of oneself; make oneself at home; make oneself scarce; not oneself; paint oneself into a corner; plume oneself; pride oneself on; pull oneself together; pull oneself up; put oneself out; relieve oneself; repeat oneself; shift for oneself; shoot oneself in the foot; spread oneself too thin; suit oneself; sure of oneself; take it upon oneself; throw oneself at; tie oneself in knots; trouble one's head (oneself) about.

Example Sentences

“The influenza vaccine remains the best way to protect oneself from the virus, especially against severe disease.”

Read more on Salon

The second value is voice, the term we use to describe the desire for authentic, individualistic self-expression—for instance, the freedom to be oneself without judgment from others.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The poor man had worked up quite a head of steam, but this is what comes of letting oneself get too hungry.

Read more on Literature

“To think of others as well as of oneself. To be grateful, not just for good fortune but for all fortune, the good and the bad, for it is life’s nature to offer a bit of both. To use good manners, not just with one’s friends but with everyone, even strangers.”

Read more on Literature

“My advice is to not get tangled up with the law to begin with. Once you do, it’s a sticky wicket, that’s for sure! Not easy to extricate oneself, har har.”

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• character 
• ego 
• identity 
• individuality 
• myself 
• person 
• personality