themselves
pronoun
Definitions of themselves pronoun
- A2
Used to indicate that the action of a verb is directed back to the subject, which is 'they' or a group of people.
They are reflecting on where they made mistakes.
They did not enjoy themselves at the meeting.
The employees should take care of themselves to manage stress.
Used to emphasize that the subject 'they' is the one performing the action.
They themselves admitted to knowing nothing about the matter.
The artists themselves curated the entire exhibition.
They themselves decided to take on the project.
Phrases of themselves pronoun
- (all) by themselves
Without any assistance; completely independently.
• The students completed the entire project all by themselves.
- (all) to themselves
For the exclusive use of a particular group or person.
• They had the entire villa all to themselves.
Idioms
- keep to themselves
To habitually spend time alone and avoid socializing with others.
• Since moving to this small town, she has kept to herself, rarely interacting with her neighbors.