- 1(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 machine turn itself off? The company has got itself into difficulties. There's no need for the team to feel proud of itself.
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- 2(used to emphasize an animal, a thing, etc.) The town itself is pretty, but the surrounding countryside is very dull.
- 1automatically; without anyone doing anything The machine will start by itself in a few seconds.
- 2alone The house stands by itself in an acre of land.
to be an example of complete patience, etc. The manager of the hotel was courtesy itself.
considered separately from other things; in its true nature In itself, it's not a difficult problem to solve.
not shared with others It doesn't have the market to itself.
Check pronunciation: itself