it‧self S1 W1 / ɪtself / 代词 [ reflexive form of ‘it’ ]

1 used to show that a thing, organization, animal, or baby that does something is affected by its own action :

The cat lay on the sofa, washing itself.

The machine switches itself off when the process is complete.

a small local enterprise that has transformed itself into a highly successful company

2 used to emphasize that you are talking about one particular thing, organization etc :

We’ve checked the wiring, so the problem may be the television itself.

3 in/of itself considered separately from any other facts :

There is a slight infection in the lung, which in itself is not serious.

4 (all) by itself

a) alone :

Will the dog be safe left in the car by itself?

b) without help or without a person making it work :

The door seemed to open all by itself.

5 (all) to itself not shared with other things :

This idea deserves a chapter to itself.

6 be patience/kindness/simplicity etc itself to be very patient, kind, simple etc :

Loading the software is simplicity itself.