herself
UK: hɜːˈsɛlf | US: hɜːrˈsɛlf
pron. 1. Used to refer to a female person or animal previously mentioned as the object of a verb or preposition when she is also the subject.
pron. 2. Used for emphasis to refer to a female person or animal previously mentioned.
The word "herself" combines the Old English dative/possessive pronoun "her" (from Proto-Germanic *hizō) with "self" (from Proto-Germanic *selbaz), meaning "one's own person." Originally, Old English used "hire self" as a reflexive form, which later merged into "herself" by the 13th century. The construction mirrors other reflexive pronouns like "myself" and "yourself," emphasizing identity or action directed back to the subject.
She taught herself how to play the piano.
The queen herself attended the ceremony.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
She made the decision herself.
The cat groomed herself meticulously.