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Reflexive pronoun: meaning, definitions and examples

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reflexive pronoun

[ rɪˈflɛksɪv ˈprəʊnaʊn ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

grammar

A pronoun that refers back to the subject of the clause or sentence. Reflexive pronouns are formed by adding -self or -selves to a personal pronoun, for example, 'myself', 'yourself', 'himself'.

Synonyms

personal pronoun, reflexive object, self pronoun.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reflexive pronoun	A reflexive pronoun is used when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same person or thing. It typically refers back to the subject. She taught herself Spanish. I cut myself while cooking.
self pronoun	This term is another way to refer to reflexive pronouns, as they often include the word 'self' (or 'selves' for plural). It is less commonly used than 'reflexive pronoun'. Himself, herself, and themselves are all self pronouns.
personal pronoun	A personal pronoun is used as a substitute for a specific person or thing that is mentioned elsewhere in the conversation or the sentence. He went to the store. They are planning to travel next week.
reflexive object	This term refers to the object in the sentence that is the same as the subject, typically used with a reflexive pronoun. In the sentence 'She looked at herself in the mirror,' 'herself' is the reflexive object.

Examples of usage

He hurt himself while playing football.
She bought herself a new dress for the party.
They should be proud of themselves for their hard work.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

grammar

A pronoun used for emphasis or to show that the action of the verb affects the subject itself. Reflexive pronouns are also used for reciprocal actions.

Synonyms

personal pronoun, reflexive object, self pronoun.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reflexive pronoun	Reflexive pronouns, repeated for emphasizing the primary usage of self-related pronouns. We enjoyed ourselves at the party. You should take better care of yourself.
self pronoun	Self pronouns are another term for reflexive pronouns, used less formally but meaning the same concept. He made himself a sandwich. We treated ourselves to a day at the spa.
personal pronoun	Personal pronouns replace specific people or things and are used based on four characteristics: person (first, second, third), number (singular, plural), gender (he, she, they), and case (subject, object, possessive). He is going to the store. I like her dress. They are my friends.
reflexive object	Reflexive objects are objects that reflect back to the subject of the sentence. It’s another way to talk about reflexive pronouns but specifically in the context of them receiving the action of the verb. She prepared herself a cup of tea. He injured himself while playing.

Examples of usage

I made the decision myself.
The children helped each other with their homework.
We need to take care of ourselves in order to stay healthy.

Translations

Translations of the word "reflexive pronoun" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pronome reflexivo

🇮🇳 प्रतिबिंबित सर्वनाम

🇩🇪 Reflexivpronomen

🇮🇩 kata ganti refleksif

🇺🇦 зворотний займенник

🇵🇱 zaimek zwrotny

🇯🇵 再帰代名詞

🇫🇷 pronom réfléchi

🇪🇸 pronombre reflexivo

🇹🇷 dönüşlü zamir

🇰🇷 재귀 대명사

🇸🇦 ضمير انعكاسي

🇨🇿 zvratné zájmeno

🇸🇰 zvratné zámeno

🇨🇳 反身代词

🇸🇮 povratni zaimek

🇮🇸 afturbeygð fornöfn

🇰🇿 өздік есімдік

🇬🇪 ზედაცვალებითი ნაცვალსახელი

🇦🇿 qayıdan əvəzlik

🇲🇽 pronombre reflexivo

Etymology

The term 'reflexive pronoun' originated from the Latin word 'reflexivus', which means 'bent back'. It has been used in English grammar to describe pronouns that reflect or refer back to the subject of the clause since the 16th century. Reflexive pronouns play a crucial role in emphasizing actions or showing reciprocity in sentences.