herself

word

/hɝˈsɛɫf/
hur-SELF
/hɜːsˈɛlf/
hur-SELF

Definition

A reflexive and emphatic pronoun used for a woman or girl. It can mean that she does something to or for her own person, or it can add emphasis to show that she personally did it.

Usage & Nuances

Use it reflexively after the verb: 'She blamed herself.' Use it for emphasis: 'She herself said that.' Do not use 'herself' as the subject of a sentence; say 'She went home,' not 'Herself went home.' Common patterns include 'by herself' (alone) and 'for herself' (independently or for her own benefit).

Example Sentences

After the breakup, she had to remind herself that none of it was her fault.

natural

Give her a minute—she's trying to figure it out by herself.

natural

She made the cake by herself.

basic

She looked at herself in the mirror.

basic

She bought a gift for herself.

basic

She told me herself, so I know it's true.

natural