themselves

themselves Definition

them·selves (t̸hem selvz′)

a form of they, used:

as an intensifier they saw it themselves
as a reflexive they hurt themselves
with the meaning “their real, true, or normal selves” [they are not themselves today]: in this construction them functions as an adjective and selves as a noun; when they are separated, the form their is used [their own sweet selves]

Etymology: Late (Northern) ME thaim selfe for ME hemselve(n) (see they) + -s, pl. suffix

themselves Quotes

I have met a great many people on their way towards God and I wonder why they have chosen to look for him rather than themselves.

—Winterson,Jeanette

We are not about to send American boys 9,000 or 10,000 miles away from home to do what Asian boys ought to be doing for themselves.

—Johnson, Lyndon B(aines) also called LBJ

Those who make their dress a principal part of themselves, will, in general, become of no more value than their dress.

—Hazlitt,William

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