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her·self [ hər sélf, unstressed also ər sélf ] CORE MEANING: the form of "her" used in reflexive and emphatic contexts
  She did it herself. |
pron |
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1. referring to female subject of verb: used to refer to the same woman, girl, or female animal as the subject of the verb
She put her hand on the rail to support herself.
She decided to treat herself.
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2. used for emphasis: used to emphasize or clarify which woman, girl, or female animal is being referred to, often introducing a note of surprise or awe
I received a letter from the author herself.
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3. alone or without help: used to show that a woman, girl, or female animal is alone or unaided
sitting by herself in the garden
wrote the song herself
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4. country: used to refer to a nation or country whose identity is known
(
formal
)
The United States is causing problems for herself with this policy.
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5. machine: used to refer to a car, machine, or ship
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6. normal self: her normal self in terms of personality, health, or behavior
She's not herself today - I don't know what's the matter with her.
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