itself - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
itself Word Meanings
- referring to the subject in question
- emphasizing the subject
- for the subject oneself
itself Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
itself Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪtˈsɛlf/
US
/ɪtˈsɛlf/
itself Word Etymology
itself = it + self. Historical origin: Old English 'hit + self' evolved into Middle English 'itself'. Memory image: Imagine a person looking in a mirror, seeing 'it' as 'themselves' reflecting back, emphasizing their 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
Begin by lifting your eyes to the subject and move your attention onto it. You keep the focus tight, letting the subject itself step into the spotlight. A tiny shift happens as you adjust your tone, a pull toward the thing you mean. In use, you say it itself to mark that the subject stands alone, clear and centered.
Real Context
Itself is a reflexive pronoun that refers back to the subject of the clause or sentence. It can emphasize the subject or indicate that the subject performs an action without help from others. In English, itself usually appears after a form of be or after verbs like find, see, or imagine, and it often adds emphasis or clear reference to the subject’s own involvement. Distinct from the general pronoun it, itself cannot refer to someone else’s object; it must echo the subject. Learners often confuse it with its non-reflexive counterpart, or omit it in sentences where emphasis would be natural.
Usage Reminders
- - It is reflexive and refers to the subject.
- - It emphasizes the subject's own action.
- - It usually comes after a form of be or after verbs like see or imagine.
- - Do not use itself to refer to an object; keep it tied to the subject.
- - Don't omit it when natural emphasis would feel incomplete.
Common Misconceptions
- Itself can refer to any object, not just the subject.
- It can replace it in any position in a sentence.
- It is always optional and can be dropped without changing meaning.
- It can refer to plural subjects like themselves.
- It is the same as the pronoun it in all uses.
Thinking Differences
In English, itself is used to add emphasis or precise reference to the subject. Learners often overuse it with non-reflexive verbs or omit it when emphasis is natural, leading to flat or ambiguous sentences.
Learning Tips
- 1) Treat itself as a mirror reference to the subject.
- 2) Use it after be or after verbs that naturally take reflexive emphasis.
- 3) Do not use it to refer to objects or other people.
- 4) Compare sentences with and without it to feel the emphasis.
- 5) Practice with pairs: subject + verb + itself + object.
- 6) Watch for pronoun agreement with the subject.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word itself?
A.Below average
B.On its own
C.Together with others
D.Extremely hot
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'itself' used correctly?
A.The cat ate the food by others.
B.The cat ate the food by itself.
C.The cat ate the food by nobody.
D.The cat ate the food by box.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'itself'?
A.Themselves
B.Myself
C.Yourselves
D.Ourself
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'itself'?
A.Each other
B.One another
C.Those alone
D.One self
Step 5: Mastery
In what context would you use the word 'itself'?
A.Describing a group of people
B.Talking about a specific person
C.Expressing an action
D.Referring to an inanimate object
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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