themselves
ðɛmˈsɛlvz
Definition Synonyms

Definition of themselves - Reverso English Dictionary

Pronoun

1.
identityrefers to their normal or usual state
  • They were not quite themselves after the event.
themself
2.
emphasisemphasizes the people or things referred to
  • The artists themselves designed the gallery.
emphatically itself
3.
linguisticsreflexive form of 'they'
  • They taught themselves to play the guitar.
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Expressions with themselves

💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
become fully absorbed in an activity
They lose themselves in reading for hours.
feel relaxed and comfortable in a new place
They made themselves at home in the cozy cabin.
people who act to improve things are more likely to succeed
She started applying everywhere, saying God helps those who help themselves.
feel deep satisfaction from achievement or quality
They pride themselves on their excellent customer service.
results clearly show success or failure without explanation
The team's victory was so decisive, the results speak for themselves.
what someone does is more telling than what they say
She always helps others, actions speak for themselves.

Origin of themselves

Old English, him (them) + self (self)

Terms with themselves included in their meaning

💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
self-service meal
meal where guests serve themselves from dishes
personal purpose
in a way meant only for the person themselves
involuntary action
were unable to stop themselves from doing something
action
person who pulls something toward themselves
customer service
allowing customers to serve themselves
establishment
describing a place where customers serve themselves
emotional
cause someone to emotionally distance themselves
superiority
someone who regards themselves as superior

Examples of themselves in a sentence

  • The children were not themselves during the trip.
  • The children themselves cleaned up the mess.
  • The authors themselves will be signing books today.
  • The children entertained themselves while the adults talked.

View all translations of themselves

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:eux-mêmes, ...
  2. German:sie selbst, selbst, ...
  3. Italian:loro stessi, stessi, ...
  4. Spanish:sí mismos, mismos, ...
  5. Portuguese:si mesmos, próprios, ...
  6. Chinese:自己, 他们自己, ...
  7. Japanese:自分らしく, 自身, ...
  8. Arabic:طبيعتهم, أَنْفُسِهِم, ...
  9. Hebrew:עַצְמָם, בְּעַצְמָם, ...
  10. Russian:собой, сами, ...
  11. Ukrainian:собою, саме, ...
  12. Hindi:अपने आप में, स्वयं, ...
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