an end in itself
noun phrase
: something that one does because one wants to and not because it will help achieve or accomplish something else
She started exercising for her health, but she enjoyed it so much that exercising became an end in itself.
For him, taking classes was an end in itself.
Examples of an end in itself in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Meanwhile, the Floral Pathways palette references the color’s unmistakable connection to the earth—seeing it not as an end in itself, but as the means by which Cornflower Blue, Rose Tan, and other subtle pastels spring to life.
—
Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2024
Already people were beginning to see math as an end in itself.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024
The Madness can traffic in false equivalences—a common pitfall of political fiction that values moderation as an end in itself.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 28 Nov. 2024
However, for ambitious tech entrepreneurs and investors, the bigger opportunity may lie in using software as a means to an end rather than an end in itself.
—Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Proficiency in chatbot development and deployment is seen not just as an end in itself, but as a strategic investment in preparing for the next stages of AI evolution.
—Craig S. Smith, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
When politics is relegated to its proper place as an avenue to strengthen families and communities, not as an end in itself, our politics will become a healthier affair, and American citizens will become prouder of their nation.
—John Hatzis, National Review, 13 Sep. 2024
Moreover, view financial accounting as a means to an end as opposed to an end in itself.
—Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
Democratic and Republican administrations alike have often treated countering Russia as an end in itself, citing the demands of great-power competition as justification for action in every country where Moscow gains a foothold.
—Frederic Wehrey, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2024
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Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2024
Already people were beginning to see math as an end in itself.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024
The Madness can traffic in false equivalences—a common pitfall of political fiction that values moderation as an end in itself.
—Judy Berman, TIME, 28 Nov. 2024
However, for ambitious tech entrepreneurs and investors, the bigger opportunity may lie in using software as a means to an end rather than an end in itself.
—Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
Proficiency in chatbot development and deployment is seen not just as an end in itself, but as a strategic investment in preparing for the next stages of AI evolution.
—Craig S. Smith, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
When politics is relegated to its proper place as an avenue to strengthen families and communities, not as an end in itself, our politics will become a healthier affair, and American citizens will become prouder of their nation.
—John Hatzis, National Review, 13 Sep. 2024
Moreover, view financial accounting as a means to an end as opposed to an end in itself.
—Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
Democratic and Republican administrations alike have often treated countering Russia as an end in itself, citing the demands of great-power competition as justification for action in every country where Moscow gains a foothold.
—Frederic Wehrey, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2024
Dictionary Entries Near an end in itself
Cite this Entry
“An end in itself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/an%20end%20in%20itself. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.
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