Your Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘‰
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your

[jสŠษ™ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Determiner

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?

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Word Description / Examples
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.

  • One should always check one's work.
  • It is important to manage one's time wisely.
belonging to you

A more formal or descriptive way of saying 'your'. It emphasizes the aspect of possession.

  • The house belonging to you is very beautiful.
  • Is this the key belonging to you?

Examples of usage

  • It's your turn to speak.
  • What's your name?
  • Is this your bag?
Context #2 | Pronoun

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?

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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.

  • Is this your pen? Your help was much appreciated
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.

  • You are invited to the party
  • Do you understand the instructions?
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.

  • The person addressed must respond within 10 days
  • We await the person addressed to submit their application

Examples of usage

  • I'll meet you outside.
  • Your family is waiting for you.
Context #3 | Noun

informal term for a person's characteristic quality or individuality

A person's characteristic quality or individuality.

Synonyms

character, individuality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • Always remember to bring your notebook to class.
  • Is this your car parked outside?
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.

  • Her kind and generous character made her well-loved in the community.
  • He showed great character by standing up for what he believed in.
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.

  • Her sense of individuality was evident in her unique fashion choices.
  • He valued his individuality and always resisted peer pressure.

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 narrativesโ€”both 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 languageโ€”acknowledging 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 'ฤ“ower', 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.


See also: y'all, you.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #55, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.