An end in itself Meaning in English
expression
ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈɛnd/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˌɪtˈsɛɫf
an END in i-TSÉLF or 'n END in i-TSÉLF
ˈɐn/ /ˈɛnd/ /ˈɪn/ /ɪtsˈɛlf
un END in it-SELF
Definition
Something that is valued or done for its own sake, not just as a way to reach a different goal.
Usage & Nuances
This is a formal/philosophical phrase. Often found in discussions about values or ethics. Usually contrasts with 'a means to an end' (something done just to achieve something else). Common in academic, reflective, or ethical conversations.
Spanish: un fin en sí mismoPortuguese (BR): um fim em si mesmoPortuguese (PT): um fim em si mesmoChinese (Simplified): 本身就是目的Chinese (Traditional): 本身就是目的Hindi: अपने आप में एक लक्ष्यArabic: غاية في حد ذاتهاBengali: নিজেই একটি উদ্দেশ্য - নিজের জন্য উদ্দেশ্যRussian: самоценность - самоцельJapanese: それ自体が目的 - 目的そのものVietnamese: mục đích tự thân - mục tiêu tự nóKorean: 그 자체로 목적 - 목적 그 자체Turkish: kendi başına bir amaç - amaç olarak kendi başınaUrdu: خود میں مقصد - بذات خود مقصدIndonesian: tujuan itu sendiri - tujuan pada dirinya sendiri
Example Sentences
For some people, art is an end in itself.
basic
They believe that happiness is an end in itself.
basic
Learning should not be just an end in itself.
basic
He volunteers because helping others is an end in itself for him.
natural
Don't treat money as an end in itself—it's a tool, not the whole point.
natural
Sometimes, enjoying the process is an end in itself, not just about results.
natural