 |
| |||||||||
my‧self S1 W1
[reflexive form of 'I']
[reflexive form of 'I']1 used by the person speaking or writing to show that they are affected by their own action : I blame myself for what has happened. I can look after myself. I'm making myself a sandwich.
I blame myself for what has happened.I can look after myself.I'm making myself a sandwich.2
a) used to emphasize 'I' or 'me' : Why do I always have to do everything myself? They say it's a beautiful place, but I myself have never been there.
Why do I always have to do everything myself?They say it's a beautiful place, but I myself have never been there.b) used after 'like', 'as', or 'except' instead of 'me' : No one is to blame except myself.
No one is to blame except myself.3
(all) by myself
a) alone : I'd like to be by myself for a while.
I'd like to be by myself for a while.b) without help from anyone else : I painted the house all by myself.
I painted the house all by myself.4 used when the person speaking does not feel well, or is not able to behave normally, for example because he or she is upset or ill : I haven't been feeling myself lately. Sorry, I'm not myself today. I've had some bad news.
not feel/be myself
informalI haven't been feeling myself lately.Sorry, I'm not myself today. I've had some bad news.5 to not have to share something with anyone else : Everyone else had gone out and I had the apartment all to myself.
have something (all) to myself
Everyone else had gone out and I had the apartment all to myself.