himself
A reflexive pronoun used as the object of a verb or preposition when the subject is a male person or animal previously mentioned. It is also used to emphasize that a specific man or boy did something personally or without help.
Examples
3 of 5He made himself a cup of tea before starting work.
He prepared a drink for his own person.
The President himself will attend the opening ceremony.
The President will attend personally rather than sending a representative.
He's not feeling like himself today after the long trip.
He does not feel like his usual healthy or happy person.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'him' + 'self'. When a man looks in a mirror, he sees 'him' + 'self' = himself.
Quick Quiz
The little boy learned how to tie his shoes all by ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: himself
Examples
He made himself a cup of tea before starting work.
everydayHe prepared a drink for his own person.
The President himself will attend the opening ceremony.
formalThe President will attend personally rather than sending a representative.
He's not feeling like himself today after the long trip.
informalHe does not feel like his usual healthy or happy person.
The researcher himself conducted the primary data collection.
academicThe specific male researcher performed the task personally.
The manager himself approved the budget for the new project.
businessThe person in charge gave the approval personally.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
by himself
on his own
keep to himself
to avoid meeting people or being social
not himself
not behaving in his usual way
Often Confused With
'Him' is an object pronoun used when the subject and object are different; 'himself' is used when they are the same.
'His' shows possession, while 'himself' refers back to the person as the object of an action.
Usage Notes
Use 'himself' only when the subject of the sentence is 'he' or a specific male noun like 'the boy' or 'Mr. Smith'. It can be used for emphasis directly after the noun (The King himself) or at the end of a clause.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'by his self' instead of 'by himself'. Also, they may use 'him' when the subject and object are the same (e.g., saying 'He washed him' instead of 'He washed himself').
Memory Tip
Think of 'him' + 'self'. When a man looks in a mirror, he sees 'him' + 'self' = himself.
Word Origin
Derived from Old English 'him' (dative case of he) combined with 'self' (meaning same or identical).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In traditional English, 'himself' was often used as a generic pronoun for any person of unknown gender, but modern English prefers 'themselves'.
Quick Quiz
The little boy learned how to tie his shoes all by ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: himself
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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