Used as the object of a verb or preposition when the subject is the same female person or animal. Used for emphasis to refer to a female person or animal as the agent of an action.
Compound of 'her' and 'self', formed in Middle English around the 13th century. This follows the pattern of reflexive pronouns in Germanic languages, where 'self' (originally meaning 'same') combines with possessive pronouns.
Reflexive pronouns like 'herself' are linguistic mirrors, allowing language to fold back on itself - they're essential for expressing self-directed actions and emphasizing personal agency. The construction 'her + self' beautifully demonstrates how English builds complex grammatical concepts from simple, concrete words.
Feminine pronouns historically imposed on inanimate objects, animals, and ships; reflected assumption of female as default for 'owned' or 'dependent' entities. Reflected power asymmetries in who gets pronoun choice.
Use person's stated pronouns or gender-neutral 'they/them' when pronouns unknown. Avoid gendered pronouns for inanimate systems.
["themselves","themself","he/him","they/them"]
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