self

Definition

Himself, herself, itself, themself, themselves; that specific (person mentioned).

Etymology

From Middle English self, silf, sulf, from Old English self, seolf, sylf, from Proto-Germanic *selbaz. Cognates include Gothic 𐍃𐌹𐌻𐌱𐌰 (silba), German selbst and Dutch zelf.

Example Sentences

• "This argument was put forward by the defendant self."
• "Now that I put on my glasses I could see that the hut was empty but for our two selves; that it must have been absolutely empty till we entered."
• "I made out a cheque, payable to self, which cheered me up somewhat."