Your Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
your
[jสษ ]
Definitions
used to refer to the one or ones belonging to or connected with the person or people that the speaker is addressing
Belonging to or connected with the person or people that the speaker is addressing.
Synonyms
belonging to you, one's.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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your |
Already described above. |
one's |
Used in formal writing or speech to refer to possessions or associations of an unspecified person, or when trying to be gender-neutral.
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belonging to you |
A more formal or descriptive way of saying 'your'. It emphasizes the aspect of possession.
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Examples of usage
- It's your turn to speak.
- What's your name?
- Is this your bag?
used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing
Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing.
Synonyms
the person addressed, you.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
your |
This entry seems to be repeated and should refer to the same context and examples as the first entry where 'your' indicates possession or ownership.
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you |
Used for directly talking to or addressing someone. It can be formal or informal depending on the context, and it refers to the person or people being spoken to.
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the person addressed |
This phrase is quite formal and generally used in official documents or formal communication to refer directly to the person being spoken to.
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Examples of usage
- I'll meet you outside.
- Your family is waiting for you.
informal term for a person's characteristic quality or individuality
A person's characteristic quality or individuality.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
your |
Your is a possessive pronoun used to indicate that something belongs to or is associated with the person being spoken or written to.
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character |
Character is used to describe the set of qualities and traits that define someone's nature or personality, often in relation to their behavior or moral standing.
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individuality |
Individuality refers to the unique qualities and characteristics that distinguish one person from another. This word can be used to emphasize the importance of being distinct and oneself.
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Examples of usage
- Be true to yourself.
- He has a unique style all his own.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Grammar
- 'Your' is a possessive adjective, meaning it describes ownership, as in 'your house' or 'your favorite color'.
- 'You're' is a common misspelling mistake since it's a contraction meaning 'you are'.
- The word can also vary in usage based on dialects, with some regions using 'yer' informally in speech.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, the concept of possession, expressed through 'your', reflects social status and identity.
- The journey to personal ownership, often represented with 'your', is foundational in narrativesโboth in literature and daily life.
- The use of 'your' can build intimacy, making communication more personal and engaging in conversations.
Linguistic Influence
- 'Your' is important for clarity in communication, particularly in instructional or educational contexts.
- In some languages, this possessive form may not exist, highlighting differences in cultural conceptions of ownership.
- The use of 'your' also plays a role in creating inclusive languageโacknowledging someone else's experience or belongings.
Psychology
- Using 'your' in communication can foster a sense of connection and belonging, which is vital for social relationships.
- Research suggests that personalized language, such as 'your', can enhance engagement and retention of information.
- Psychologists note that addressing someone directly with 'your' can increase the impact of messages in marketing and persuasion.
Origin of 'your'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'your' comes from the Old English word 'eower', which was used to indicate possession.
- It has been used in English since around the 14th century, evolving from earlier forms and influences.
- In Middle English, the term appeared in various forms, including 'your(e)', with subtle changes in spelling over time.
The word 'your' originated from Middle English 'yower', which is derived from Old English 'ฤower', meaning 'of you'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in Modern English. 'Your' is a possessive determiner and pronoun that is widely used in everyday language to indicate possession or to address someone directly.