self
The idea of who you are as a person.
A person's essential being, especially considered as distinct from others.
The way a person usually thinks, feels, and acts.
A person's character, personality, or typical behavior.
The part of words like 'myself' or 'yourself' that means the same person doing and receiving an action.
The root form used in reflexive pronouns (e.g., myself, yourself), often appearing in compound words or philosophical discussion.
- Base: self
- Plural: self, selves
keep to oneself
1Avoid sharing personal matters with others
To not talk to other people about your thoughts or feelings, or to avoid being with other people.
- She tends to keep to herself at parties.
- He kept the news to himself.
talk to oneself
1Speak aloud when alone or not to others
To say words out loud when you are alone or not talking to another person.
- I sometimes talk to myself when I'm thinking.
- He was talking to himself while working.
be yourself
1act naturally as you are
Act in a way that is natural for you, not pretending to be someone else.
- Just be yourself and you'll do fine in the interview.
- I like him because he is always himself.
be yourself
2Act naturally and honestly as you are
To act in a way that is natural for you and not pretend to be someone else.
- Just be yourself during the interview.
- He told me to relax and be myself.
by oneself
1alone, without company or help
To be or do something with no other people there and with no one helping.
- She fixed the car by herself.
- She prefers to study by herself, but in formal writing one might say that one studies by oneself.
- He prefers to eat by himself.
- Living by oneself can teach one a lot about responsibility.
- One can feel lonely when one spends too many evenings by oneself.
make a name for oneself
1Become famous or respected
To become known and respected for doing something well.
- She made a name for herself in the fashion industry.
- She made a name for herself in the art world.
- He quickly made a name for himself as a skilled lawyer.
- He quickly made a name for himself as a talented chef.