themselves

[ thuhm-selvz, them- ]

pronoun

1. a reflexive form of plural they used as the direct or indirect object of a verb or the object of a preposition:

   They washed themselves quickly. The painters gave themselves a week to finish the work. The noisy passengers drew attention to themselves.

2. an emphatic form of them or they:

   The authors themselves left the theater. The contract was written by the partners themselves.

3. a reflexive form of singular they used as the direct or indirect object of a verb or the object of a preposition:
   1. (used to refer to a generic or unspecified person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context):

      No one who ignores the law can call themselves a good citizen.

   2. (used to refer to a specific or known person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context):

      I want to help my friend who is harming themselves.

   3. (used to refer to a nonbinary or gender-nonconforming person previously mentioned, about to be mentioned, or present in the immediate context):

      Ash introduced themselves to the job recruiter.

4. (used in place of they or them after as, than, or but ):

   no soldiers braver than themselves; As for the entertainers, everyone got paid but themselves.

5. their usual, normal, characteristic selves:

   After a hot meal and a few hours' rest, they were themselves again.

themselves

/ ðəmˈsɛlvz /

pronoun

1. 1. the reflexive form of they or them
   2. (intensifier)

      the team themselves voted on it

2. preceded by a copula their normal or usual selves

   they don't seem themselves any more

3. not_standard.
   Alsothemself a reflexive form of an indefinite antecedent such as one, whoever, or anybody

   everyone has to look after themselves

Usage Note

See myself, they.

Word History and Origins

Origin of themselves¹

First recorded in 1300–50; them + selves; replacing themself, Middle English thamself; self

Example Sentences

By engaging a group of these students early in real, high-quality research, a team from the University of Illinois at Chicago led by Brian Murphy is providing young learners a chance to see themselves as scientists and explore careers in science with hands-on experience.

From Science Daily

He adds that his content "helps break stereotypes" and his videos are more than just fashion inspiration, but instead "inspire people to truly be themselves".

From BBC

They have evolved natural skylights to fuel the growth of their algal companions without opening their shells and exposing themselves to the beaks and claws of potential predators.

From Science Daily

As the solution flows into the mold, the ion-bearing ligands begin assembling themselves into more complex, three-dimensional structures.

From Science Daily

These ingredients assemble themselves into a well-ordered structure consisting of semiconductor metal oxide molecules wrapped in graphene sheets.

From Science Daily