What does selfsame mean?
“Selfsame” is a formal adjective meaning the very same individual or thing previously mentioned. It differs from “same” mainly in emphasis: “the same” may mean alike or matching, whereas “the selfsame” asserts exact identity. The word is especially useful in legal, journalistic, and argumentative contexts, where it prevents ambiguity about whether two references point to one identical entity. For example, “the witness recognised the selfsame vehicle” indicates that it was precisely the vehicle seen earlier, not merely a similar one. Although its sound can make it seem old-fashioned, it remains perfectly standard English and can add force to a sentence when identity is being stressed.
adjectiveDenoting the identical person, thing, or matter previously mentioned; the very same.
- Denoting the identical person, thing, or matter previously mentioned.
"The committee recognized the selfsame issue that had arisen at the previous meeting."
"She was wearing the selfsame blue coat she had worn the day before."
"The two accounts are the selfsame story told in different words."
“Selfsame” is the emphatic cousin of “same”: it means not merely alike, but exactly one and the same.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does selfsame come from?
“Selfsame” is a compound formed in English from “self” and “same.” Both elements are Germanic in origin: “self” developed from Old English “self,” while “same” comes through Middle English from Old English “sama.” The compound became established in English during the early modern period, initially expressing the identity of something already known or mentioned.
How selfsame is actually used
More emphatic and somewhat formal than “the same.” It is especially useful when the identity of something already mentioned must be stressed, and it can sound deliberately precise or rhetorical.
Easily confused with selfsame
“Same” means identical or alike, while “selfsame” specifically emphasizes that something is the very individual previously mentioned.