- the reflexive form of
one 20 (intensifier): one doesn't do that oneself - (preceded by a copula)
one's normal or usual self: one doesn't feel oneself after such an experience
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
one•self or one's self /wʌnˈsɛlf, wʌnz-/USA pronunciation
pron.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- (used when the subject of a sentence is one and the object of the verb or a preposition also refers to the same individual):One should be able to laugh at oneself.
- (used when the subject or object of a sentence is one and the speaker wishes to emphasize that subject or object):To do something oneself brings great joy.
- Idioms be oneself, [no object]
- Idiomsto be in one's normal state of mind or physical condition:was himself again after a nap.
- Idiomsto be sincere:Just be yourself during the interview.
- Idioms by oneself:
- Idiomswithout a companion;
alone. - Idiomsthrough one's own efforts and without help:Did you draw this picture by yourself?
- Idiomswithout a companion;
one•self
(wun self′, wunz-),USA pronunciation pron.
- a person's self (used for emphasis or reflexively):One often hurts oneself accidentally.
- be oneself:
- to be in one's normal state of mind or physical condition.
- to be unaffected and sincere:One makes more friends by being oneself than by putting on airs.
- by oneself,
- without a companion;
alone. - through one's own efforts;
unaided:to become a millionaire by oneself.
- without a companion;
- come to oneself:
- Also, come to. to regain consciousness.
- to regain one's self-possession;
come to one's senses. Also, one's′ self′.
- shortened form of one's self 1540–50
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
'fend for oneself' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):