Ourselves Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ourselves

[ˌaʊərˈsɛlvz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Pronoun}

reflexive

Used as the object of a verb or preposition to refer to a group including the speaker and one or more other people previously mentioned or easily identified.

Synonyms

our own, ours, us.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ourselves	Used when the subject and the object of the sentence are the same group of people. Often used to emphasize that the action is done by the same group. We prepared the entire meal ourselves. We have to take care of ourselves in difficult times.
us	Objective form of 'we', used when referring to the group that includes the speaker and one or more other people. They gave us a present. Can you see us in the photo?
ours	Used as a pronoun to indicate things or people belonging to the speaker and one or more other people. This book is ours. Whose bag is this? It's ours.
our own	Emphasize possession or ownership by a specific group, typically contrasted with something shared or belonging to others. We finally have a house of our own. We want to make our own decisions without interference.

Examples of usage

We must learn to rely on ourselves in times of need.
Let's handle this situation by ourselves.
We owe it to ourselves to pursue our dreams.

^{Context #2 | Pronoun}

emphatic

Used for emphasis or to point out that a person or people are doing something without help.

Synonyms

by ourselves, on our own, personally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ourselves	Repeating this word seems redundant; it's the same word as the first entry. Refer to the previous definition. As above
personally	Used when the speaker wants to express their personal involvement or opinion in a matter. Personally, I think we should take a different route I will personally handle the issue
by ourselves	Used when the group including the speaker is completely alone while doing something or emphasizing isolation. We were by ourselves in the house all night We managed to put up the tent by ourselves
on our own	Used often to signify independence or self-reliance without any external help or support. We traveled to the city on our own We completed the project on our own

Examples of usage

We painted the house ourselves.
She baked the cake herself.
They built the treehouse themselves.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Using 'ourselves' can indicate a sense of collective identity, which is vital for social bonding and teamwork.
Studies show that when people refer to the group as 'ourselves', it can enhance feelings of belonging and teamwork.
The concept of 'in-group' versus 'out-group' often involves understanding oneself in relation to others, making these phrases essential in group dynamics.

Social Dynamics

In cooperative settings, referring to actions as done by 'ourselves' fosters collaboration and shared responsibility.
Using collective terms like 'ourselves' can strengthen community ties, promoting unity among members.

Literature

'Ourselves' often appears in poetry and prose, symbolizing self-reflection, community, and the human condition.
In literary works, the term has been used to address themes of identity and collective memory, emphasizing how people relate to one another.

Cultural Perspectives

In collectivist cultures, using terms like 'ourselves' is common, showcasing the importance of the community over the individual.
Conversely, in more individualistic societies, the emphasis is often more on 'myself', highlighting a focus on personal achievements.

Origin of 'ourselves'

Main points about word origin

The term 'ourselves' is a reflexive pronoun deriving from Old English 'urself', combining 'our' and 'self', showing a connection to a group.
Reflexive pronouns, like 'ourselves', help emphasize or clarify who is doing an action among a group.

The word 'ourselves' is derived from the Old English word 'ūre selfa', which means 'our own self'. It has been used in the English language for centuries, evolving from Middle English to its modern form. The pronoun 'ourselves' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate a reflexive or emphatic action by a group of people including the speaker.