- (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 every reason for the team to feel proud of itself.
Definitions on the go
Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
- 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
See itself in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee itself in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englishbe 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.
Check pronunciation:
itself