oneself

pronoun

one·​self (ˌ)wən-ˈself 

 Southern also  -ˈsef

variants or less commonly one's self

(ˌ)wən-  ˌwənz- 

1

: a person's self : one's own self

—used reflexively as object of a preposition or verb or for emphasis in various constructions

It is important to have good feelings about oneself.

2

: one's normal, healthy, or sane condition or self

the need to protect oneself from danger

Phrases

be oneself

: to conduct oneself in a usual or fitting manner

under such conditions one could not be oneself

Word History

First Known Use

1540, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oneself

• ourself
• bookshelf
• herself
• himself
• hisself
• itself
• meself
• myself
• nonself
• thyself
• yourself
• elf

Kids Definition

oneself

pronoun

one·​self (ˌ)wən-ˈself 

1

: one's own self

one can feel proud of oneself

2

: one's normal or healthy self