Elles-mêmes (en. Themselves)

/ɛl.mɛm/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Used to emphasize that the people concerned perform an action by themselves.

They repaired the car themselves.

Elles ont réparé la voiture elles-mêmes.

Indicates that the action comes directly from the mentioned people.

They themselves decided to change direction.

Elles-mêmes ont décidé de changer de direction.

Used to highlight that the people take responsibility for their actions.

They want to bear the guilt themselves.

Elles veulent elles-mêmes porter la culpabilité.

Origin of French, combining 'elles' (feminine personal pronoun) and 'mêmes' (intensifying adverb).

they themselves know

Indicates that these people are aware of a truth or situation.

elles-mêmes savent

to do something by themselves

Evokes the idea of performing an action without outside help.

faire quelque chose par elles-mêmes

they

Plural feminine personal pronoun.

elles

they alone

Expresses the idea of exclusivity in an action or decision.

elles seules

Used in feminist discussions to emphasize women's autonomy.

Women must handle their problems themselves!

Les femmes doivent gérer leurs problèmes elles-mêmes !

In a context of defiance, to show women's determination.

We will do it, themselves, without the help of men.

Nous allons le faire, elles-mêmes, sans l'aide des hommes.