Cool MateHerself
UK /["/hɜːˈself//həˈself/"]/US /["/hɜːrˈself//hərˈself/"]/
Definition
used when the woman or girl who performs an action is also affected by it
In simple words: The female form of 'himself', used to refer to the subject when it is a girl or woman.
Examples
- She hurt herself.
- She must be very proud of herself.
- She told me the news herself.
- Jane herself was at the meeting.
- She didn't seem quite herself this morning.
- She needed space to be herself.
- She lives by herself.
- She runs the business by herself.
- She wants a room all to herself.
Usage notes
Use 'herself' when talking about a woman doing something alone or emphasizing her own actions. Avoid using it in overly casual contexts.
Grammar pattern
standalone pronoun
Memory hint
Think of 'her self' to remember that it refers to a woman.
Collocations
- by herself
- take care of herself
- enjoy herself
- teach herself
- believe in herself
Synonyms
- hers
- her
- she
Antonyms
- himself
- themselves
- yourself
Common mistakes
- 'Herself' is often confused with 'hers' (possessive).
- Learners sometimes use 'herself' in place of 'she' in subject positions.
- Some learners forget to use 'herself' for the reflexive form when it's needed.