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it‧self S1 W1
[reflexive form of 'it']
[reflexive form of 'it']1XX used to show that a thing, organization, animal, or baby that does something is affected by its own action :
The cat lay on the sofa, washing itself.
The machine switches itself off when the process is complete.
a small local enterprise that has transformed itself into a highly successful company
The cat lay on the sofa, washing itself.
The machine switches itself off when the process is complete.
a small local enterprise that has transformed itself into a highly successful company2 used to emphasize that you are talking about one particular thing, organization etc :
We've checked the wiring so the problem may be the television itself.
We've checked the wiring so the problem may be the television itself.3 considered separately from any other facts :
There is a slight infection in the lung which in itself is not serious.
in/of itself
There is a slight infection in the lung which in itself is not serious.4
(all) by itself
a) alone :
Will the dog be safe left in the car by itself?
Will the dog be safe left in the car by itself?b) without help or without a person making it work :
The door seemed to open all by itself.
The door seemed to open all by itself.