be oneself

phrase

: to conduct oneself in a usual or fitting manner

under such conditions one could not be oneself

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of be oneself was in 1849

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Be oneself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/be%20oneself. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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