himself - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
himself Word Meanings
- refers to the person previously mentioned (masculine)
- used for emphasis to indicate the same person
- to indicate a person's own actions or qualities
himself Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
himself Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/hɪmˈsɛlf/
US
/hɪmˈsɛlf/
himself Word Etymology
himself = him + self. Historical origin: Old English him + self. Memory image: Picture a man looking in the mirror, seeing himself, emphasizing his identity.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip the chair, set my stance, and slowly raise my eyes. I turn toward the person we just named and watch him do it himself. The effort makes the moment feel solid, a push and pull of intention. With that visual, the word settles: it points back to him, and to the way he acts on his own.
Real Context
Himself is a reflexive pronoun used for masculine reference to the subject, either when the subject has already been mentioned or when the speaker wants to emphasize that the action or quality belongs to the subject alone. It can refer back to the same person previously mentioned in the sentence, as in 'John told himself he would try harder.' It is also used for emphasis: 'He built the house himself.' In most cases, it marks the subject as the doer of the verb or as the possessor of the quality. In informal speech, 'himself' can appear after a preposition in some dialects, though standard English often uses 'himself' directly after the verb.
Usage Reminders
- Use after the verb to show the subject did it alone.
- Use for emphasis: He fixed it himself.
- Match gender: use himself for a male subject.
- Avoid using after a preposition in formal writing; prefer after the verb.
- Remember it refers back to the subject, not another person.
Common Misconceptions
- It means the subject is not involved at all (it does not).
- It can replace 'him' in all contexts (it cannot).
- It must be used with every verb (not necessary).
- It is the same as 'him' (not, it's reflexive).
- It is only for past actions (can be present as well).
Thinking Differences
English uses himself to explicitly tie actions and qualities to a masculine subject, and it often follows the verb for a direct, concise feel. Other languages may bundle reflexive ideas with pronouns, adjectives, or particles, or use a different structure for emphasis, which can lead learners to over- or under-use the reflexive form or to mistranslate it as a non-reflexive pronoun.
Learning Tips
- Practice with family/griends to see self- reference in context
- Compare with 'him' to notice reflexive distinction
- Use after verbs for emphasis, not after every noun
- Don’t forget the subject must be masculine if you use 'himself'
- Avoid using 'himself' with non-human antecedents
- Watch for formal vs informal placement
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'himself'?
A.A reflexive pronoun referring to a male individual
B.A person's male child
C.A person's male parent
D.A piece of furniture
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence below uses 'himself' correctly?
A.They washed himself clothes.
B.She fixed himself car.
C.He cooked himself dinner last night.
D.I bought himself a present.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'himself'?
A.Herself
B.Chair
C.Apple
D.Jump
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'himself'?
A.Slow
B.Fire
C.Herself
D.Happy
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'himself'?
A.He dresses himself in the morning.
B.She reads a book.
C.They watch a movie.
D.He paints a picture.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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