To return to one's normal, calm, or rational state after confusion, strong emotion, or distraction.
To start thinking clearly and feeling like yourself again after being upset, shocked, or lost in thought.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To return to a calm, sensible, or normal state of mind after being confused, distressed, or lost in thought.
"She sat quietly for a few minutes and gradually came to herself after the shock of the news."
He shook his head, as if to come to himself.
— Charles Dickens, 'A Tale of Two Cities'
To recover one's natural personality or character after a period of being unlike oneself.
"After months of depression, he finally seemed to come to himself again."
A somewhat literary or old-fashioned expression. More common in written English and formal speech than in everyday conversation. Often appears in older literature and formal narratives.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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