In Latin, ipse is the most important intensive adjective used to show emphasis. In English, we can use tone, when speaking, or, when writing, use italics or underlining. There are also a couple of ways to phrase emphasis by adding words. Unfortunately, the words English uses to do what ipse does are usually used to show other things, so some awkwardness and confusion can occur.

One way is to use the word “very,” as in “My grandfather used to live in this very house [as opposed to any other].” (Avus meus in hā c domū ipsā habitā bat.) The other way is more confusing than awkward. It requires a “–self” word. The confusion arises in that English also uses –self words as reflexives, even though the two uses are extremely different. “I myself [as opposed to anyone else] used to live in this house, too.” (Et ego ipse in hā c domū habitā bam.)

As always, context will be your best guide.

Table 13-8 Declension of the Intensive Adjective ipse, ipsa, ipsum

After iste and ille, the declension of ipse should come as no surprise.