give of oneself
C1 formal intransitive
In simple words
To spend your own time and energy helping other people without thinking about what you get in return.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
formal
To offer one's personal time, effort, or emotional energy generously and selflessly to help others.
"She has spent decades giving of herself to care for the elderly in her community."
"Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."
— John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, 1961 (expresses the same spirit as 'give of oneself')
Usage notes
A somewhat formal and literary expression. Often used in speeches, religious contexts, and descriptions of selfless or charitable behavior. More common in American English than British English. Carries a strong positive, noble connotation.
Commonly used with
generously freely completely wholeheartedly others community
Forms
Base
give of oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gives of oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
gave of oneself
yesterday
Past participle
given of oneself
have + pp
-ing form
giving of oneself
continuous
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