Word
themselves
Phoneticsthem·selves, stress on the second syllable
US/ðəmˈsɛɫvz/
UK/ðɛmsˈɛlvz/
Definitions
01reflexive use (plural)
A2 · Elementary
pron. used when a group of people do something to or for themselves.
pron. the reflexive form of 'they', used when the object of a verb or preposition is the same as the plural subject.
“The children were old enough to dress themselves for school.”
“The board members found themselves in a difficult position after the quarterly results were leaked to the press.”
Pitfall
They bought theirselves new coats.
They bought themselves new coats.
The word 'theirselves' is not standard English; always use 'themselves'.
02emphasis
B1 · Intermediate
pron. used to emphasize that a specific group of people did something, rather than someone else.
pron. used as an intensive pronoun to emphasize the plural subject or object in a sentence.
“The directors themselves attended the meeting to show their support.”
“While the staff prepared the venue, the athletes themselves were responsible for checking their own equipment before the race.”
Synonyms
03singular reflexive
B2 · Upper Intermediate
pron. used for one person when you do not know if they are male or female, or to be inclusive.
pron. the reflexive form of the singular 'they', used to refer to a single person of unspecified or non-binary gender.
“If a student has a question, they should ask themselves if the answer is in the book.”
“Every individual must decide for themselves whether the risks of the procedure outweigh the potential benefits.”
Usage
In formal contexts, some writers still prefer 'himself or herself', but 'themselves' is increasingly standard for singular use.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “themselves” in context.
Etymology
Morphologically them + -selves.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/themselves