Wordiyoself
Old EnglishVariants
Related Roots
About This Root
From Old English self (one's own person), from Proto-Germanic *selbaz. In modern English, self- is an extraordinarily productive prefix forming hundreds of compounds: self-defense, self-discipline, self-absorbed, selfish, unselfish. The reflexive pronouns (myself, himself, yourself) also incorporate this root. It captures the English emphasis on individuality and personal agency.
Associated Words
herself
reflexive form of 'she'; used for emphasis
himself
reflexive form of 'he'; used for emphasis
itself
reflexive form of 'it'
myself
reflexive form of 'I'
oneself
Reflexive form of 'one', referring to a person in general
self-abasement
The act of humiliating or degrading oneself
self-absorbed
Excessively focused on oneself, ignoring others
self-assertion
Aggressive expression of one's own opinions or wishes
self-defense
The act or right of protecting oneself from attack
self-discipline
The ability to control one's own behavior and impulses
self-restraint
The ability to control one's emotions and actions
self-selected
Chosen by oneself rather than by an external process
selfish
Caring only about oneself, with no concern for others
unselfish
Caring more about others than oneself; generous
yourself
reflexive pronoun for the second person: you yourself
yourselves
You (plural), used reflexively or for emphasis