Yours Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
yours
[jสษrz ]
Definitions
used to refer to something or someone that belongs to or is connected with the person being spoken to
Belonging to or connected with the person or people that the speaker is addressing.
Synonyms
belonging to you, of you, your own.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| yours |
Used to refer to something that belongs to or is associated with the person or people being spoken to.
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| your own |
Emphasizes personal possession, often used to point out that something specifically belongs to the person being spoken to.
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| belonging to you |
A more formal or precise way of indicating possession by the person being spoken to.
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| of you |
Used mostly in formal writing or in specific contexts where ownership or association needs to be stated clearly.
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Examples of usage
- Is this book yours?
- The keys are yours, aren't they?
used to refer to something that belongs to or is connected with the person or people being spoken to
Used to refer to something belonging to or connected with the person being spoken to.
Synonyms
belonging to you, of you, that which is yours.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| yours |
Used to indicate that something belongs to or is associated with the person being addressed.
|
| belonging to you |
Used in more formal or descriptive sentences to specify possession.
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| of you |
Used to describe something that originates from or is related to the person being addressed, often in terms of characteristics or attributes.
|
| that which is yours |
Used in very formal or literary contexts to refer to something that belongs to the person being addressed.
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Examples of usage
- Yours is the red one.
- This bag is yours, right?
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Usage
- In many cultures, the word 'yours' can imply a sense of intimacy and connection when expressing affection.
- The phrase 'yours truly' is often used in letters, showing respect and sincerity.
- In legal contexts, 'yours' can define ownership and property rights.
Psychology
- Using 'yours' helps establish a sense of identity and individuality in relationships.
- The concept of ownership, represented by 'yours', is key in social interactions and the development of self.
- Asking for something 'yours' can strengthen interpersonal bonds by affirming trust and sharing.
Literature
- 'Yours' often appears in poetry and prose to highlight themes of love, connection, and belonging.
- Authors like Shakespeare used various forms of 'your' to address characters, enhancing their emotional resonance.
- Letters in literature often close with 'yours', showcasing the personal and heartfelt nature of communication.
Language Development
- Children typically learn to use 'yours' after mastering basic pronouns, reflecting an understanding of possession.
- The word serves as a foundational element in teaching children about sharing and respect for personal belongings.
- In ESL contexts, 'yours' is often one of the first possessive pronouns introduced to highlight belonging.
Origin of 'yours'
Main points about word origin
- 'Yours' comes from Old English 'eower', meaning 'your'.
- The usage of 'yours' began to appear distinctly in Middle English around the 14th century.
- It reflects ownership in contrast to familiar terms for singular 'you' like 'thou'.
The word 'yours' is a possessive pronoun derived from Middle English 'yours', which evolved from 'your' + '-s'. 'Your' originated from Old English 'ฤower', meaning 'of you'. The possessive pronoun 'yours' has been used in English since the 14th century.
See also: yourself, yourselves.