My Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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[maɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

possessive pronoun

Used to refer to something belonging to or associated with the speaker.

Synonyms

belonging to me, mine, owned by me.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
my	Used to show something belongs to the speaker. Common in conversation and informal writing. This is my book My house is big
mine	Used to show possession, emphasized when the item is previously mentioned or obvious from the context. Common in conversation. This pen is mine The cookies are mine
belonging to me	Formal and descriptive. Often used in writing or when specifying ownership in detail. The car belonging to me is parked outside The belongings belonging to me have been recovered
owned by me	Formal and specific. Typically used in written documents to clarify ownership or in legal contexts. The property owned by me is located downtown All items owned by me must be accounted for

Examples of usage

My name is John.
This is my house.
I lost my keys.
She is my friend.
We did it on my terms.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

abbreviation

Abbreviation for month and year.

Synonyms

month and year.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
my	See the first entry for this word.

Examples of usage

The event took place in May.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

musical note

The third note of the diatonic scale of C major.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
my	This word is commonly used to show possession or something belonging to the speaker. It is informal and widely used in both spoken and written English. This is my favorite book. I found my keys.
E	As a single letter or initial, this is rare to use in English to show possession. It could be an abbreviation or shorthand in specific contexts like informal texts, messages, or notes. E's book is on the table.

Word

Description / Examples

This word is commonly used to show possession or something belonging to the speaker. It is informal and widely used in both spoken and written English.

This is my favorite book.
I found my keys.

As a single letter or initial, this is rare to use in English to show possession. It could be an abbreviation or shorthand in specific contexts like informal texts, messages, or notes.

E's book is on the table.

Examples of usage

The song starts with a high my.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistic Usage

In English, 'my' has various forms and can be used with nouns to indicate relationships, like 'my friend' or 'my house'.
It is one of the most common words in the English language, highlighting the importance of personal connections in communication.
In informal speech, people might say 'myself' to reflect emphasis or self-reference, like 'I did it myself'.

Cultural Significance

In personal storytelling and narratives, using 'my' can create a sense of intimacy and personal engagement with the audience.
'My' connects to individual identity, as many songs, poems, and stories reflect personal experiences using this possessive term.
The phrase 'my country' evokes strong feelings of nationalism and pride, demonstrating how this small word conveys deep emotional connections.

Psychology

Using 'my' can create a stronger sense of identity and responsibility in individuals as it highlights ownership and connection.
Psychologically, framing experiences with 'my' often helps people process emotions by anchoring feelings to specific personal experiences.
Studies show that language affects self-perception, and using possessive terms can influence one's confidence and self-esteem.

Origin of 'my'

Main points about word origin

'My' comes from the Old English word 'mīn', which has roots in the Proto-Germanic language.
The word has been used for more than a thousand years and indicates possession.
'My' is a possessive pronoun, meaning it helps show who something belongs to or who is doing something.

The word 'my' originated from the Old English word 'mīn', which is a possessive form of 'ic' meaning 'I'. Over time, it has evolved to be commonly used in Modern English to indicate possession or association with the speaker.