Herself Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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herself
[hərˈsɛlf ]
Definitions
referring to a female person
Used to refer to a female person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified.
Synonyms
hers, the female animal, the female person.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| herself |
Secondary reference for the previously mentioned context, emphasizing self-action or involvement.
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| hers |
Used to indicate possession or something that belongs to the female.
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| the female person |
Used in formal or specific contexts to differentiate a female individual from a male or non-gender-specific individual.
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| the female animal |
Used in biological or veterinary contexts to refer specifically to a female of a species.
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Examples of usage
- She looked at herself in the mirror.
- She poured herself a glass of water.
referring to the same female person
Used as the object of a verb or preposition to refer to a female person or animal when the subject of the clause is the same person or animal.
Synonyms
hers, the female animal, the female person.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| herself |
Used as a reflexive pronoun similar to the first entry, but can also be used to emphasize the female subject's effort or role in the action.
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| hers |
A possessive pronoun indicating that something belongs to or is associated with a female person previously mentioned.
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| the female person |
Used in more formal or scientific contexts to refer specifically to a female human being, often in medical, sociological, or legal discussions.
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| the female animal |
Refers specifically to a female animal in discussions of wildlife, biology, or in contexts where distinguishing between male and female animals is important.
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Examples of usage
- She hurt herself while playing.
- She did it all by herself.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'herself'
The word 'herself' is a compound of the pronoun 'her' and the intensive suffix '-self'. It has been used in English since the 11th century, evolving from Old English forms. The reflexive pronoun 'herself' emerged in Middle English, retaining its usage to refer to a female person or animal in the third person singular.