itself

Part of Speech

Pronoun

Pronunciation

/ɪtˈsɛlf/

Definitions

• Used to refer to the subject of a sentence or clause as the object of an action, emphasizing that it is the same entity.
• Used to refer to something in its own true or natural state, without any alteration or intervention.
• Used for emphasis, often to highlight a specific action or quality associated with the subject.

Usage Examples

• The cat itself jumped over the fence.
• The project completed itself without any external help.
• She did the work itself without any assistance.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old English "itseolf" or "itself," a compound of "it" + "self," referring to the subject in the sentence or clause. The word has its origins in the Germanic languages, where the concept of self-reflection was important for distinguishing actions and subjects.

Synonyms

• Self
• On its own
• Alone
• Personally
• By itself

Antonyms

• Other
• Someone else
• All together
• In company

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English: /ɪtˈsɛlf/
• In American English: /ɪtˈsɛlf/ (commonly used with emphasis in sentences)

Historical Usage

The word "itself" has been used in English since the Old English period. It evolved from the earlier "itseolf" or "itself," where "self" referred to one's own being or identity. Historically, it was used to emphasize the subject performing the action without external involvement or modification, a concept that has persisted into modern usage.

Cultural Nuances

The word "itself" is commonly used for emphasis in various English-speaking cultures, especially when emphasizing independence or self-sufficiency. In addition, it is often found in expressions of self-reflection or to highlight particular states or actions that belong inherently to the subject of the sentence.

More Information

The word "itself" is a reflexive pronoun used in a variety of contexts to denote the subject as the object of its own action or identity. In modern usage, it can emphasize a return to a natural state, such as in the phrase "the car fixed itself." The continued use of "itself" showcases the importance of reflexive relationships in the English language and is often employed in both formal and casual communication.