One's Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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one's

[wʌnz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Pronoun}

possessive

Belonging to or associated with any person in general; one's own.

Synonyms

one's own, personal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
one's	Used when referring to something that belongs to or is associated with a person in a general sense. Often found in formal or written language. It's important to manage one's time effectively. One's health should always be a priority.
one's own	Emphasizes that something belongs exclusively to a person and no one else. It adds a sense of individuality or possession. She has her own apartment now. It's satisfying to complete a task on one's own.
personal	Refers to something that is private or relates directly to an individual. Often used when discussing feelings, belongings, or information that is particular to a person. Please don't go through my personal belongings. He shared some personal stories during the interview.

Word

Description / Examples

one's

Used when referring to something that belongs to or is associated with a person in a general sense. Often found in formal or written language.

It's important to manage one's time effectively.
One's health should always be a priority.

one's own

Emphasizes that something belongs exclusively to a person and no one else. It adds a sense of individuality or possession.

She has her own apartment now.
It's satisfying to complete a task on one's own.

personal

Refers to something that is private or relates directly to an individual. Often used when discussing feelings, belongings, or information that is particular to a person.

Please don't go through my personal belongings.
He shared some personal stories during the interview.

Examples of usage

One should always take care of one's health.
It is important to express one's opinions.
We should respect one's personal space.

^{Context #2 | Pronoun}

formal

Used to refer to a person in general, especially when the sex of the person is unspecified or irrelevant.

Synonyms

anyone's, someone's.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
one's	Refers to something belonging to an unspecified person. It is often used in a more formal or general context. It's important to take care of one's health. One's work is a reflection of their dedication.
someone's	Refers to something belonging to a specific, but unknown, person. It is often used when the owner is not identified. I found someone's wallet on the street. This is someone's mistake, not mine.
anyone's	Refers to something that could belong to any person at all. It is often used to indicate randomness or generality. That bike could be anyone's. It's not anyone's fault that the event got canceled.

Word

Description / Examples

one's

Refers to something belonging to an unspecified person. It is often used in a more formal or general context.

It's important to take care of one's health.
One's work is a reflection of their dedication.

someone's

Refers to something belonging to a specific, but unknown, person. It is often used when the owner is not identified.

I found someone's wallet on the street.
This is someone's mistake, not mine.

anyone's

Refers to something that could belong to any person at all. It is often used to indicate randomness or generality.

That bike could be anyone's.
It's not anyone's fault that the event got canceled.

Examples of usage

One must do one's best in every situation.
One should always strive to improve oneself.
One's actions reflect one's character.

Translations

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

Origin of 'one's'

The word 'one's' is a possessive pronoun that originated from Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'ān' meaning 'one' and 'es' indicating possession. It has been used in English language for centuries to indicate ownership or association with a particular person. 'One's' is commonly used in formal and written English to express possession or to refer to a person in general.

See also: anyone, one, oneness, oneself, onesie, only.