Oneself Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’
Add to dictionary

oneself

[wสŒnหˆsษ›lf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Pronoun

referring to an individual

Used to emphasize that a particular person is doing something, or that a particular person is affected by something.

Examples of usage

  • He must decide for oneself.
  • She needs to take care of oneself.
  • One should always be true to oneself.
Context #2 | Noun

self

A person's self or individuality.

Examples of usage

  • It is important to know oneself.
  • She found peace within oneself.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In developmental psychology, the concept of 'oneself' plays a crucial role in understanding personal identity and self-concept.
  • Self-awareness, a key psychological aspect, involves recognizing one's feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, tied closely to the idea of 'oneself'.
  • Therapeutic practices often encourage people to reflect on their 'oneself' to foster personal growth and emotional healing.

Literature

  • Many poets and authors explore the theme of 'oneself' as a journey of self-discovery, delving into what it means to be an individual.
  • Famous works such as Walt Whitmanโ€™s 'Song of Myself' celebrate the uniqueness of one's identity.
  • In existential literature, characters often struggle with their 'oneself' in search of meaning in a complex world.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures emphasize the importance of understanding 'oneself' as part of personal and social harmony.
  • Rituals and practices in various traditions, like meditation, often aim to connect individuals with their true 'oneself'.
  • The concept can influence cultural narratives around community versus individuality.

Origin of 'oneself'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'oneself' is a combination of 'one' and 'self', indicating a single individualโ€™s inner being.
  • It has roots in Old English, specifically from 'an' (one) and 'se' (the) which evolved over centuries.
  • In language, it emphasizes individuality, in contrast to others.

The word 'oneself' originated from the combination of 'one' (meaning an individual) and 'self' (meaning the essence of a person). It first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. 'Oneself' is commonly used in formal and literary contexts to refer to an individual in a reflexive manner.


See also: anyone, one, one's, oneness, onesie, only.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,363 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.