themselves

plural pronoun

them·​selves t͟həm-ˈselvz  t͟hem- 

1

a

: those identical ones that are they compare they sense 1

—used reflexively, for emphasis, or in absolute constructions

nations that govern themselves

they themselves were present

themselves busy, they disliked idleness in others

b

: himself or herself : himself, herself

—used with an indefinite third person singular antecedent

nobody can call themselves oppressed

—Leonard Wibberley

2

: their normal, healthy, or sane condition

were themselves again after a night's rest

Can they be used as an indefinite subject?: Usage Guide

They used as an indefinite subject (sense 2) is sometimes objected to on the grounds that it does not have an antecedent. Not every pronoun requires an antecedent, however. The indefinite they is used in all varieties of contexts and is standard.

Can they, their, theirs, them, and themselves be used as singular pronouns?: Usage Guide

They, their, theirs, them, themselves: English lacks a set of common-gender third person singular pronouns and a corresponding common-gender third person possessive adjective that can be used to refer to indefinite pronouns such as everyone, anyone, and someone. Writers and speakers have supplied this lack by using the plural pronouns they, theirs, them, and themselves, and the adjective their.

and every one to rest themselves betake

—William Shakespeare

I would have everybody marry if they can do it properly

—Jane Austen

it is too hideous for anyone in their senses to buy

—W. H. Auden

These plural forms have also been put to use in indefinite references to singular nouns that stand for many persons.

'tis meet that some more audience than a mother, since nature makes them partial, should o'erhear the speech

—William Shakespeare

a person can't help their birth

—W. M. Thackeray

no man goes to battle to be killed.—But they do get killed

—G. B. Shaw

The use of they, their, theirs, them, and themselves in reference to pronouns of indefinite gender and indefinite number is well established in speech and writing, even in literary and formal contexts. These forms have also been adopted by individuals whose gender identity is nonbinary, as illustrated in sense 3d of they. The singular pronoun themself is also increasingly gaining acceptance as an alternative to themselves when referring to just one person.

I do not believe there is an artist in history who hasn't asked themself—at least once—"Why do I do this?"

—Mary Gabriel

… uses he and they pronouns and refers to themself as the governor's son …

—Eduardo Medina and Jacey Fortin

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing themselves

• all to yourself/himself/herself/themselves
• express itself/themselves
• speak for themselves
• take themselves too seriously
• the facts speak for themselves
• to yourself/himself/herself/themselves

Rhymes for themselves

• ourselves
• bookshelves
• yourselves
• delves
• elves
• pelves
• selves
• shelves

Kids Definition

themselves

pronoun

them·​selves t͟həm-ˈselvz 

t͟hem-

1

: their own selves

nations that govern themselves

they themselves were present

2

: their normal or healthy condition

were themselves again after a night's rest