Reflexive verbs are important for learning English. These verbs show actions where the subject and the object are the same. For example, you can “prepare yourself” for a challenge or “help yourself” to food. They are useful in many situations and help you sound more natural when speaking or writing.
If you want to do well in English exams, write better, or speak clearly, reflexive verbs can help you. These verbs are used in both formal and informal English, so they are good to know. By practicing these verbs, you can make your sentences better and explain your ideas more easily. For example, you can “push yourself” to work hard or “calm yourself” when you feel nervous.
The list of Common C1/C2 Reflexive Verbs
In this lesson, you will learn many reflexive verbs. Each verb comes with its meaning and examples to help you understand how to use it. This is great for teachers, students, and anyone who loves learning English. Start using these reflexive verbs today and see how they can improve your English skills.
1. Abandon Yourself to Something
Meaning: To let yourself completely succumb to an emotion or situation.
- She abandoned herself to grief after the loss of her pet.
- He abandoned himself to the pleasure of reading during his vacation.
2. Abase/Debase Yourself
Meaning: To degrade or lower yourself, often in a humiliating way.
- He refused to abase himself by apologizing for something he didn’t do.
- She would never debase herself just to gain someone’s favor.
3. Accustom Yourself to Something
Meaning: To become familiar with or used to something.
- Over time, he accustomed himself to the colder climate.
- She is gradually accustoming herself to the fast-paced lifestyle of the city.
4. Acquaint Yourself with Something
Meaning: To familiarize yourself with something, often formally.
- You should acquaint yourself with the company’s policies before your first day.
- He acquainted himself with the latest software updates.
5. Acquit Yourself
Meaning: To perform or behave in a specific way, typically successfully or admirably (formal).
- She acquitted herself well in the challenging interview.
- The team acquitted themselves honorably despite the loss.
6. Ally Yourself to/With Somebody/Something
Meaning: To associate or align yourself with someone or something.
- She allied herself with a local charity to support environmental causes.
- The politician allied himself with the reformist movement.
7. Apply Yourself to (Doing) Something
Meaning: To work hard or diligently at something.
- If you apply yourself to your studies, you will see great results.
- She applied herself to learning a new language.
8. Assert Yourself
Meaning: To state or act with confidence and authority.
- In meetings, you need to assert yourself if you want your ideas to be heard.
- He finally asserted himself and demanded a fair share of the credit.
9. Avail Yourself of Something
Meaning: To take advantage of an opportunity or resource (formal).
- Please avail yourself of the free refreshments at the seminar.
- He availed himself of every chance to learn from his mentor.
10. Bestir Yourself
Meaning: To make an effort or take action, especially after inactivity (formal/humorous).
- He finally bestirred himself to clean the garage after months of procrastination.
- She bestirred herself to prepare for the presentation just in time. [Reflexive verbs]
11. Better Yourself
Meaning: To improve yourself, often through education or self-development.
- He worked hard to better himself through night classes.
- She constantly strives to better herself by learning new skills.
12. Brace Yourself (for Something)
Meaning: To prepare yourself for something difficult or unpleasant.
- Brace yourself for some shocking news.
- She braced herself for the cold weather by putting on extra layers.
13. (Not) Bring Yourself to Do Something
Meaning: To be unable or unwilling to do something.
- He couldn’t bring himself to tell her the bad news.
- I just can’t bring myself to throw away these old letters.
14. Busy Yourself with Something
Meaning: To occupy yourself with an activity.
- She busied herself with organizing the event.
- He busied himself with cleaning the house.
15. Carry Yourself
Meaning: To conduct yourself or present yourself in a certain way.
- She carries herself with grace and confidence.
- Despite his nervousness, he carried himself like a true professional.
16. Commit Yourself to (Doing) Something
Meaning: To dedicate yourself to a task or responsibility.
- She committed herself to finishing the project on time.
- He has committed himself to improving his health.
17. Conduct Yourself
Meaning: To behave in a specific way, often formally.
- She conducted herself with dignity during the trial.
- He conducts himself like a true gentleman.
18. Content Yourself with Something
Meaning: To accept something as satisfactory, even if it is not ideal.
- He contented himself with a small snack instead of a full meal.
- She contented herself with second place in the competition.
19. Cover Yourself (Against/In/With)
Meaning: To protect or shield yourself from something.
- He covered himself against the cold with a thick coat.
- She covered herself in sunscreen before going to the beach.
20. Dedicate Yourself to (Doing) Something
Meaning: To commit yourself wholeheartedly to a task or purpose.
- She dedicated herself to helping the less fortunate.
- He has dedicated himself to mastering the piano.
21. Delude Yourself
Meaning: To deceive yourself into believing something false.
- Don’t delude yourself into thinking success comes without effort.
- He deluded himself into believing he could manage without any help.
22. Demean Yourself
Meaning: To lower your dignity by doing something unworthy (formal).
- She refused to demean herself by begging for forgiveness.
- He demeaned himself by agreeing to their unfair demands.
23. Deny Yourself
Meaning: To deliberately refrain from having or doing something.
- He denies himself any indulgence to save money.
- She denied herself the pleasure of dessert to stick to her diet.
24. Deprive Yourself of Something
Meaning: To go without something that is usually necessary or desired.
- Don’t deprive yourself of sleep during exam season.
- He deprived himself of luxury to live a simpler life.
25. Devote Yourself to Something/Someone
Meaning: To dedicate time and energy to a person, cause, or activity.
- She devoted herself to raising her children.
- He has devoted himself to the cause of environmental protection.
26. Discipline Yourself to Do Something
Meaning: To train yourself to behave or work in a controlled way.
- You must discipline yourself to stick to the schedule.
- He disciplined himself to wake up early every day.
27. Distinguish Yourself
Meaning: To do something that sets you apart from others, typically in a positive way.
- She distinguished herself by leading the team to victory.
- He distinguished himself as a scholar in his field. [Reflexive verbs]
28. Excel Yourself
Meaning: To surpass your own previous achievements.
- She excelled herself in the final performance.
- He excelled himself in solving the complex problem.
29. Exert Yourself
Meaning: To make a physical or mental effort.
- Don’t exert yourself too much during recovery.
- He exerted himself to finish the task ahead of schedule.
30. Familiarise Yourself with Something
Meaning: To learn about or get used to something new (formal).
- You should familiarise yourself with the guidelines before starting.
- He familiarised himself with the city map before traveling.
31. Find Yourself
Meaning: To discover your true purpose, identity, or location.
- She went on a journey to find herself.
- He found himself lost in thought.
32. Gorge Yourself on Something
Meaning: To eat a large amount greedily.
- He gorged himself on chocolates during the holidays.
- She gorged herself on the lavish buffet.
33. Help Yourself to Something
Meaning: To take something for yourself, often food or drink.
- Please help yourself to some snacks.
- He helped himself to another serving of pasta.
34. Immerse Yourself in Something
Meaning: To fully engage or involve yourself in an activity.
- She immersed herself in learning about different cultures.
- He immersed himself in his work to forget his troubles.
35. Indulge Yourself (With/In Something)
Meaning: To allow yourself to enjoy something, often luxuries.
- He indulged himself with a relaxing spa day.
- She indulged herself in a delicious dessert.
36. Interest Yourself in Something
Meaning: To develop a curiosity about something (formal).
- She interested herself in learning about ancient history.
- He interested himself in gardening during the lockdown.
37. Involve Yourself in Something
Meaning: To participate actively in an activity or event.
- She involved herself in community service projects.
- He involved himself in planning the event.
38. Kid Yourself
Meaning: To deceive yourself or pretend something is true.
- Don’t kid yourself into thinking you can succeed without hard work.
- He kidded himself that everything would be fine without preparation.
39. Lose Yourself in Something
Meaning: To become deeply absorbed in something.
- She lost herself in the beauty of the painting.
- He lost himself in the rhythm of the music.
40. Lower Yourself (to Do Something)
Meaning: To degrade yourself by doing something beneath your dignity.
- Example 1: He refused to lower himself to argue with them.
- Example 2: She would never lower herself to cheat on an exam.
41. Nerve Yourself (to Do Something)
Meaning: To gather courage or determination to do something challenging.
- She nerved herself to speak in front of the large audience.
- He nerved himself to confront his boss about the unfair treatment.
42. Overreach Yourself
Meaning: To try to achieve something beyond your abilities, often leading to failure.
- He overreached himself by attempting to finish the marathon without proper training.
- She overreached herself when she tried to juggle two demanding jobs.
43. Pace Yourself
Meaning: To regulate your energy or efforts over a period to avoid exhaustion.
- You should pace yourself to avoid burnout during exam preparation.
- He paced himself during the race to conserve energy for the final lap.
44. Perch Yourself on Something
Meaning: To sit or position yourself on something, especially in a slightly precarious way.
- She perched herself on the edge of the sofa to listen closely.
- He perched himself on the rock to get a better view of the valley.
45. Preen Yourself
Meaning: To groom or tidy yourself; to take pride in your appearance or achievements.
- The cat preened itself after its nap in the sun.
- She preened herself in front of the mirror before the big event.
46. Pride Yourself on Something
Meaning: To take satisfaction or pride in something you have or have done.
- He prides himself on being punctual and reliable.
- She prides herself on her excellent cooking skills.
47. Prove Yourself (to Somebody/By Doing Something)
Meaning: To demonstrate your abilities or worth to others.
- He proved himself to his team by solving the difficult problem.
- She proved herself by excelling in her first big project at work.
48. Push Yourself
Meaning: To challenge or drive yourself to achieve more.
- He always pushes himself to reach new fitness goals.
- She pushed herself to complete the project ahead of the deadline.
49. Redeem Yourself
Meaning: To make up for past mistakes or regain respect.
- He redeemed himself by apologizing and making amends.
- She redeemed herself in the eyes of her colleagues by delivering an excellent presentation.
50. Resign Yourself to (Doing) Something
Meaning: To accept something unpleasant as inevitable.
- She resigned herself to the fact that she had to work late.
- He resigned himself to living in a smaller apartment due to budget constraints.
51. Restrain Yourself (from Doing Something)
Meaning: To prevent yourself from acting on a desire or impulse.
- He had to restrain himself from shouting during the argument.
- She restrained herself from eating another piece of cake.
52. Steel Yourself (to Do Something)
Meaning: To prepare mentally for something difficult or unpleasant.
- She steeled herself to give her speech in front of the large audience.
- He steeled himself for the bad news he was about to receive.
53. Steep Yourself in Something
Meaning: To immerse yourself deeply in a subject or activity (formal).
- He steeped himself in the history of the region before writing his book.
- She steeped herself in the study of classical literature.
54. Stir Yourself
Meaning: To make an effort to do something after being inactive.
- He finally stirred himself to clean up his messy room.
- She stirred herself into action when she realized the deadline was approaching.
55. Suit Yourself
Meaning: To do what you want, often used to indicate indifference.
- “If you don’t want to come, then suit yourself,” he said dismissively.
- She decided to suit herself and ignore everyone’s advice. [Reflexive verbs]
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