itself
pronoun /ɪtˈself/
/ɪtˈself/
Idioms - (the reflexive form of it) used when the animal or thing that does an action is also affected by it
- The cat was washing itself.
- Does the computer turn itself off?
- The company has got itself into difficulties.
- There's no need for the team to feel proud of itself.
- used to emphasize an animal, a thing, etc.
- The village itself is pretty, but the surrounding countryside is rather dull.
Word OriginOld English (see it, self).
Idioms
be patience, honesty, simplicity, etc. itself
- to be an example of complete patience, etc.
- The manager of the hotel was courtesy itself.
(all) by itself
- automatically; without anyone doing anything
- The machine will start by itself in a few seconds.
- alone
- The house stands by itself in an acre of land.
in itself
- considered separately from other things; in its true nature
- In itself, it's not a difficult problem to solve.
(all) to itself
- for only it to have or use; not shared with others
- The company doesn't have the market to itself.