Main Entry:

it·self

Pronunciation:

\it-ˈself, ət-, Southern also -ˈsef\

Function:

pronoun

Date:

before 12th century

1 : that identical one — compare it 1 —used reflexively <watched the cat giving itself a bath>, for emphasis <the letter itself was missing>, or in absolute constructions <itself a splendid specimen of classic art, it has been exhibited throughout the world> 2 : its normal, healthy, or sane condition

— in itself

: in its own nature : intrinsically <was not in itself bad>