themselves
UK: ðəmˈsɛlvz | US: ðəmˈsɛlvz
pron. 1. Used as the reflexive form of "they" or "them" (referring back to the subject).
pron. 2. Used for emphasis (to stress the identity or autonomy of a group).
The word "themselves" combines the pronoun "them" (Old English "þæm," dative/accusative of "þā," meaning "those") with the plural form of "self" (Old English "self," meaning "one's own person"). The "-selves" suffix emerged in Middle English to create reflexive/emphatic forms (e.g., "ourselves," "yourselves"). Historically, "themself" was used for singular "they," but "themselves" became standard for plural and gender-neutral singular references by the 16th century.
They prepared the meal themselves.
The students solved the problem themselves.
The team prides themselves on their teamwork.
They themselves admitted the mistake.
The children dressed themselves for school.