Part of Speech

Pronoun (reflexive)

Pronunciation

/hɜːrˈsɛlf/

Definitions

1. A reflexive pronoun used to refer to a female subject previously mentioned in the sentence, emphasizing that the action is performed by the subject on herself.

2. Used to emphasize the subject in a sentence, typically in a way that suggests the action is done without the help of others.

Usage Examples

1. "She decided to do it herself."

2. "She looked at herself in the mirror."

3. "Herself and her colleagues worked on the project tirelessly."

Etymology

The word "herself" is derived from the Old English word "hyrself," which is a combination of "hire" (meaning "her") and the reflexive suffix "-self," used to indicate that the subject performs the action on themselves.

Synonyms

1. Themselves (in some contexts)

2. By herself

3. Alone (when referring to doing something independently)

Antonyms

1. Himself (when referring to a male)

2. Others (when referring to others assisting)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "herself" remains relatively consistent in different English dialects, though variations may occur in regional accents. In some areas, the "r" sound may be more pronounced, while in others, it may be softer or omitted entirely.

Historical Usage

Historically, the word "herself" has been used since Old English, when the reflexive pronoun was formed using "hire" (her) and the suffix "-self." Over the centuries, it has retained its core meaning of referring to a female subject acting upon or emphasizing her own actions.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of doing something "herself" often conveys autonomy and independence, particularly in contexts where women are depicted as self-reliant. In various cultural contexts, this can reflect societal views on gender roles and individual agency, where performing tasks "herself" is seen as a demonstration of strength or capability.

More Information

"Herself" is an important reflexive pronoun in English, used to indicate that the subject is both the doer and the receiver of the action. It is commonly used in both everyday conversation and formal contexts to emphasize that a female subject is performing an action independently, without assistance from others. In many languages, reflexive pronouns serve a similar purpose, with variations in their usage and forms.