itself
UK[ɪtˈsɛlf]US[ɪtˈsɛlf]
pron
used as the object of a verb or preposition to refer to a thing, animal, or young child that is the same as the subject of the clause.
pron
used to emphasize a particular thing, animal, or young child.
Etymology
the word "itself" is a middle english formation, emerging in the 14th century. it was created by combining the neuter pronoun "it" with the intensifying element "-self", which derives from old english "self". this pattern followed the model of other reflexive pronouns like "myself" and "himself". the construction serves to create a reflexive or emphatic form specifically for neuter nouns and impersonal subjects, solidifying a grammatical paradigm in english for emphasizing identity or action directed back upon the subject.
Analysis
the word is a compound formed from the pronoun "it" and the intensifying suffix "-self". "It" is from old english "hit", a neuter pronoun. "-self" is from old english "self", meaning "self, same".
Examples
the cat washed itself thoroughly.
the device will turn itself off after an hour.
the town itself is quite small, but the surrounding area is beautiful.