itself

itself
it|self
W1S1 [ıtˈself] pron [reflexive form of 'it']
1.) used to show that a thing, organization, animal, or baby that does something is affected by its own action
The cat lay on the sofa, washing itself.
The machine switches itself off when the process is complete.
a small local enterprise that has transformed itself into a highly successful company
2.) used to emphasize that you are talking about one particular thing, organization etc
We've checked the wiring so the problem may be the television itself.
3.) in/of itself
considered separately from any other facts
There is a slight infection in the lung which in itself is not serious.
4.) (all) by itself
a) alone
Will the dog be safe left in the car by itself?
b) without help or without a person making it work
The door seemed to open all by itself.
5.) (all) to itself
not shared with other things
This idea deserves a chapter to itself.

Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • itself — it*self ([i^]t*s[e^]lf ), pron. The neuter reflexive pronoun of {It}; as, the thing is good in itself; it stands by itself. [1913 Webster] Borrowing of foreigners, in itself, makes not the kingdom rich or poor. Locke. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • itself — ► PRONOUN (third person sing. ) 1) (reflexive ) used to refer to something previously mentioned as the subject of the clause: his horse hurt itself. 2) (emphatic ) used to emphasize a particular thing or animal mentioned. ● in itself Cf. ↑in… …   English terms dictionary

  • itself — [it self′] pron. a form of IT1, used: a) as an intensifier [the work itself is easy] b) as a reflexive [the dog bit itself] c) with the meaning “its real, true, or normal self” [the bird is not itself today ]: in this construction, it functions… …   English World dictionary

  • itself — late 14c., from O.E. hit sylf, from IT (Cf. it) + SELF (Cf. self). Since 17c. usually regarded as its self (Cf. its own self) …   Etymology dictionary

  • itself — it|self [ ıt self ] pronoun *** Itself is a reflexive pronoun, being the reflexive form of it. It can be used especially in the following ways: as an object that refers to the same thing that is the subject of the sentence or that was mentioned… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • itself */*/*/ — UK [ɪtˈself] / US pronoun Summary: Itself is a reflexive pronoun, being the reflexive form of it. It can be used especially in the following ways: as an object that refers to the same thing that is the subject of the sentence or that was… …   English dictionary

  • itself — [[t]ɪtse̱lf[/t]] ♦ 1) PRON REFL: v PRON, prep PRON Itself is used as the object of a verb or preposition when it refers to something that is the same thing as the subject of the verb. Scientists have discovered remarkable new evidence showing how …   English dictionary

  • itself — /It self/ pronoun 1 the reflexive form of it: The cat lay on the sofa, washing itself. | It is generally felt that the government has made an idiot of itself. 2 used to emphasize the pronoun it : We ve checked the wiring and the aerial so the… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • itself*/*/*/ — [ɪtˈself] pronoun 1) the REFLEXIVE form of ‘it , used for showing that an action affects the thing that does the action The young bird cannot feed itself.[/ex] The government needs to defend itself against these attacks.[/ex] 2) used for… …   Dictionary for writing and speaking English

  • itself — /it self /, pron. 1. a reflexive form of it: The battery recharges itself. 2. an emphatic appositive of it, which, that, this, or a noun: which itself is also true; Even without flowers, the bowl itself is beautiful. 3. (used as the object of a… …   Universalium

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