Word: Herself

Pronunciation

/ˈhɜːrsɛlf/

Definitions

• Pronoun (reflexive): Used as the object form of a reflexive pronoun when the subject of the sentence is female or feminine, referring back to the same person. It emphasizes that the action of the verb is performed by the subject on herself. Example: “She dressed herself for the party.”
• Pronoun (emphatic): Used to emphasize that a particular woman is performing the action, especially when it’s unexpected or contrasts with another person. Example: “She did it herself, without any help.”

Phrases

• “By herself”: Indicates that someone is alone or doing something unaccompanied. Example: “She decided to travel by herself this time.”
• “To hurt oneself”: To cause injury to one’s own body. Example: “She accidentally cut herself while cooking dinner.”
• “To please oneself”: To do what one wants or prefers, regardless of others’ opinions. Example: “She spends her weekends exactly as she pleases herself.”

Example Sentences

• Reflexive: “She looked at herself in the mirror to check her appearance before leaving home.”
• Emphatic: “Despite being new to the sport, she won the race herself, surprising everyone.”

Synonyms

• Her own self
• Personally
• Alone (in the context of being by oneself)
• Independently (when emphasizing personal agency)