itself

pronoun

it·​self it-ˈself 

ət-,

 Southern also  -ˈsef

1

: that identical one compare it sense 1

—used reflexively

watched the cat giving itself a bath

, for emphasis

the letter itself was missing

, or in absolute constructions

itself a splendid specimen of classic art, it has been exhibited throughout the world

2

: its normal, healthy, or sane condition

Phrases

in itself

: in its own nature : intrinsically

was not in itself bad

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

itself

pronoun

it·​self it-ˈself 

ət-

1

: that identical one

—used to show that the subject and object of the verb are the same

the cat gave itself a bath

or for emphasis

the letter itself was missing

2

: its normal, healthy, or sane self