itself

The cat is washing itself.

Definition

1. Pronoun (reflexive):
   • Reflexive form of 'it': "itself" is a reflexive pronoun used to refer back to the subject of a sentence when that subject is a singular non-human entity, animal, or thing. It indicates that the action is performed by the subject on or for itself.
   • Emphatic use: It can also be used to emphasize the subject, meaning "the very thing" or "without any other."

Usage Examples

• Reflexive use:

  • The cat cleaned itself thoroughly after eating. (The cat performed the action of cleaning on its own body.)
  • The machine turned itself off automatically. (The machine performed the action of turning off on its own.)

• Emphatic use:

  • The building itself is a work of art, regardless of its contents. (Emphasizing the building alone, not its interior.)
  • The problem itself is not difficult, but the context makes it complex. (Focusing on the problem’s inherent nature.)

Advanced Usage

• "by itself": without help or alone.

  • The door opened by itself. (The door opened without any external force or assistance.)
  • She left the book by itself on the table. (The book was left alone, without other items.)

• "in itself": considered alone; without considering other factors.

  • The idea is not bad in itself, but it needs better execution. (The idea, when considered alone, is acceptable.)
  • The noise was not harmful in itself, but it was annoying. (The noise was not harmful by its own nature.)

Variants and Related Words

• Self (n): the essential nature or identity of a person or thing.

  • He has a strong sense of self. (He has a clear understanding of his own identity.)

• Its (possessive pronoun): belonging to or associated with a thing previously mentioned.

  • The dog wagged its tail. (The tail belongs to the dog.)

Synonyms

• Its own self: a more emphatic or poetic way to refer back.

  • The tree shed its own self in autumn. (The tree lost its leaves naturally.)

• The very thing: used for emphasis.

  • The answer itself is simple. (The answer, as a concept, is straightforward.)

Related Idioms

• Speak for itself: to be so obvious that no explanation is needed.

  • The results speak for themselves. (The results are clear without further comment.)

• End in itself: something that is valued for its own sake, not as a means to another goal.

  • For some, knowledge is an end in itself. (Knowledge is pursued for its own value, not for practical use.)

• In a class by itself: uniquely excellent or superior.

  • This wine is in a class by itself. (This wine is unmatched in quality.)