* IPA(key): /ðɛmˈsɛlvz/, /ðəmˈsɛlvz/ * Hyphenation: them‧selves

THEMSELVES (_personal pronoun_) * The reflexive case of THEY, the third-person plural personal pronoun. The group of people, animals, or objects previously mentioned, as the object of a verb or following a preposition (also used for emphasis). (reflexively): _They’ve hurt THEMSELVES._ (after a preposition): _They fought among THEMSELVES._ (for emphasis): _They are going to try climbing Mount Everest THEMSELVES._ * The reflexive case of THEY, the third-person singular personal pronoun. The single person previously mentioned, as the object of a verb or following a preposition (also used for emphasis). (reflexively): _Would whoever stole my phone please make THEMSELVES known._ (after a preposition): _They’ve brought this on THEMSELVES._ (for emphasis): _The children did this THEMSELVES._ * 1611, _King James Bible_, Philippians 2.3: Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than THEMSELVES. USAGE NOTES * Regarding the use of singular _themselves_, see THEY. SYNONYMS * (singular): themself (non-gender-specific) * (singular): himself, herself (gender-specific) SEE ALSO TRANSLATIONS