Itself Meaning

Itself Definition & Usage
Used for emphasis or to indicate that the subject and object of the verb are the same.
Examples
- "The cat groomed itself in front of the mirror."
- "She did all the work herself."
- "He prides himself on being independent."
- "They built the house themselves."
- "The car broke down by itself in the middle of the road."
Used to emphasize the subject, often to show contrast or to assert the subject’s independence.
Examples
- "The manager, not the assistant, handled the situation itself."
- "The company managed to increase profits itself, without outside help."
- "The painting was a masterpiece in itself."
- "The city, with its rich history, is a destination in itself."
- "The book is a classic in itself, standing apart from modern trends."
Cultural Context
The word 'itself' comes from Middle English 'itselfe' and Old English 'hit sylf', meaning 'the thing itself'. It has been used to refer to self-reference or emphasis for centuries.
The City That Built Itself
Story
The City That Built Itself
In the heart of the sprawling metropolis of Vindar, an ancient city with a rich history, a curious phenomenon had taken place. The city had, over centuries, built itself into a thriving hub of culture and innovation. Unlike other cities, which had relied on outside help or conquerors, Vindar had always seemed to grow by its own means. A traveler named Luka, visiting for the first time, marveled at the city’s complexity and self-sufficiency. Walking down the streets, he noticed how the architecture itself reflected the resilience of the city’s people. 'How did it come to be this way?' he asked a local guide, Miri. 'Well, it’s the city itself, really,' Miri explained. 'It’s always been this way, growing and evolving from within. The city managed to thrive, even through hard times, without much external help. The people have always done everything themselves.' Luka paused at the edge of the grand market square, his eyes scanning the bustling scene. 'It’s impressive. But doesn’t the government support it in some way? Isn't there some outside influence that helps the economy?' he asked. Miri laughed. 'The economy, the culture, the very heart of Vindar—they were built by the people themselves. We didn’t wait for others to come in and fix things. The city built itself.' As Luka wandered through the market, he noticed more examples of the city’s self-reliance. Craftsmen worked diligently on their wares, artisans demonstrated their unique skills, and local merchants traded goods that were made within the city. 'This place is incredible,' Luka said, shaking his head. 'It’s like the city itself is a living, breathing entity that takes care of its own.' As the day turned to night, Luka found himself sitting on a bench near the city’s historic library. The ancient building, like the rest of the city, had grown from humble beginnings. The library, an architectural marvel in itself, seemed to glow under the golden light of the setting sun. Luka pondered the idea that perhaps some things could indeed build themselves, without external intervention, if given enough time, effort, and the will to survive. The next morning, as Luka prepared to leave, he reflected on the lesson Vindar had imparted. It was a city that had learned to depend on itself, thrive by itself, and continue to grow in ways that were unique to its history and people. In a world that often relied on outside forces for survival, Vindar was a rare reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary things come from within. The city, in its entirety, had truly built itself from the ground up.'

Related Words























