Part of Speech

Pronoun

Pronunciation

/hɪmˈsɛlf/

Definitions

• 1. A reflexive pronoun used to refer back to the subject of the sentence (in this case, "he").
• 2. Used to emphasize the subject of the sentence, typically in phrases like "he did it himself."

Usage Examples

• "He fixed the car himself."
• "She cooked dinner herself, without any help."
• "They prided themselves on their hard work."

Etymology

The word "himself" comes from the combination of "him," the object form of the pronoun "he," and the reflexive suffix "-self," which is used to indicate that the subject and object of the sentence refer to the same person. The form has been in use since Old English and has evolved over time into its current usage.

Synonyms

• Personally
• Alone
• Individually

Antonyms

• Someone else
• Other

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "himself" remains largely consistent across English-speaking regions, with only minor variations in accent. Some dialects might emphasize the first syllable ("HIM-self"), while others may give the second syllable more weight ("him-SELF").

Historical Usage

The reflexive pronoun "himself" has been in use for centuries, tracing back to Old English, where it was used similarly to emphasize or refer back to the subject of a sentence. Over time, the construction of reflexive pronouns became more common in many European languages, including English, as speakers sought to distinguish between the subject and object in a sentence.

Cultural Nuances

The use of "himself" often carries cultural connotations depending on the context. In many cultures, especially those where individualism is celebrated, phrases like "he did it himself" are viewed as a sign of personal achievement. In more collectivist societies, such phrases may be less common, as collaboration is often emphasized over personal effort.

More Information

The pronoun "himself" serves both as a reflexive pronoun and as an intensifier. In reflexive usage, it refers back to the male subject of a sentence, emphasizing that the subject performed the action on their own. As an intensifier, it is used to add emphasis, as in "He himself told me." Over time, "himself" has become a useful tool in spoken and written English to add clarity, focus, and nuance to sentences.