DictionaryAI

themselves

pronoun
them-SELVZ/ðɛmˈsɛlvz/

2 meanings of themselves

Practice

  1. 1
    a grouppronounreflexive
    Refers back to a plural subject already mentioned, when the same group is the object of a verb or follows a preposition; also used for emphasis.

    The senators voted to give themselves a generous raise.

    After the storm, the neighbors rebuilt the fence themselves.

    UsageOften in among themselves, for what stays within a group: argue among themselves.

    Note

    Two jobs share one form. As a true reflexive it is required, because the object is the same group as the subject: they've hurt themselves. As an emphatic it can be dropped without breaking the sentence. In they will climb Everest themselves, it simply stresses who does the climbing.

  2. 2
    one personpronounreflexive
    Refers back to a single person already mentioned, as the object of a verb or following a preposition; also used for emphasis.

    Each applicant should email themselves a copy of the completed form.

    Whoever broke the window should turn themselves in to the office.

    UsageMost often after anyone, everyone, each or whoever, when no particular person is meant.

    Note

    Here a plural-looking form points to one person. The use is old: the King James Bible of 1611 writes "let each esteem other better than themselves."

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Origin

Formed from "them" combined with "-selves".

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact