themselves

The word “themselves” means the reflexive form of "they" used for a group of people or things already mentioned. In plain terms, refers back to a group doing something to or for itself.

“Themselves” is pronounced thehm-SEHLVZ (/ðɛmˈsɛlvz/ in IPA).

Here is “themselves” used in a sentence: “The children made themselves sandwiches.”

Words with a similar meaning to “themselves” include 'emselves, theirselves, themself, theirself, himself and herself.

“Themselves” is a pronoun.

“Themselves” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

'Themselves' is the traditional reflexive form, used for a plural group — 'the students taught themselves.' 'Themself' is a newer singular form, used when 'they' refers to one person of unknown or non-binary gender — 'each guest helped themself.' Both are reflexive pronouns; 'themselves' is plural, while 'themself' is singular.

Use 'themselves' when the people or things doing an action are also affected by it, and the subject is plural — 'they enjoyed themselves.' It can also add emphasis — 'the managers themselves attended.' It refers back to a plural group already mentioned, so the subject and object are the same.