Pronunciation

/ˌʌnˈself/

Definitions

• Pronoun: A reflexive pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence, indicating that the subject is performing an action on itself. It is used when the subject and object of the sentence are the same person or thing.

  Example: She needs to learn to love herself.

  In this sentence, “herself” (another form of oneself) refers back to the subject “she,” indicating that the action of loving is directed towards the subject itself.

• Adjective: (rarely used) Serving as or being one’s own self; identical with oneself.

  Example: In the mirror, he saw his own self, his truest self.

Phrases

• “By oneself”: To be alone or unaccompanied. For instance, “He decided to go on vacation by himself.”
• “To do something oneself”: To perform an action personally without help from others. E.g., “She chose to decorate the house herself.”
• “For oneself”: On one’s own behalf or for one’s own benefit. Example: “It’s important to take time for oneself every day.”

Example Sentences

• Pronoun: “One should not undervalue oneself.”
• Adjective: “The experience was a revelation of his true self, his very own self.”

Synonyms

• Oneself can be replaced with other reflexive pronouns depending on the context such as ‘himself’, ‘herself’, ‘itself’, ‘ourselves’, ‘yourselves’, ‘themselves’.

Note: There isn’t a direct synonym for “oneself” because it serves a specific grammatical function. However, in certain contexts where it implies independence or self-reliance, words like “alone”, “independently”, “personally”, or “autonomously” may be used. When referring to a sense of self-worth or identity, terms like “self-esteem”, “self-image”, or “self-respect” could be considered related concepts.