Our

Definition

Our is a possessive determiner that indicates belonging or association to the speaker and one or more others. It is used to show possession or connection to something collectively.

Parts of Speech

• Possessive Determiner

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /aʊɹ/, /ɑːɹ/, /ɜːɹ/
• Respelling: ow-er, ar, ur

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /aʊə/, /ɑː/
• Respelling: ow-uh, ah

Etymology

The word "our" originates from Old English "ūre," a possessive form of "wē," meaning "we." It is derived from Proto-Germanic "*unsaraz," related to Proto-Indo-European "*nos-," meaning "us" or "ours."

Derivatives

• Ours (pronoun)
• Ourself (pronoun, reflexive)
• Ourselves (pronoun, reflexive)
• Non-our (adjective, rare)
• Our-own (phrase)

Synonyms

• Belonging to us
• Collective possession
• Shared

Antonyms

• Their
• My
• His/Her

Usage

The term "our" is used to indicate collective possession or belonging. For example, "This is our house," or "We need to discuss our plans for the weekend."

Related Terms

• We: The pronoun used to refer to the speaker and one or more others.
• Ours: A possessive pronoun referring to what belongs to "us."
• Collective: Shared or done by a group.

Detailed Definitions

Possessive Determiner

• Used to indicate possession or belonging to the speaker and one or more others:
  • Example: "This is our car."
• Used to describe a shared connection or association:
  • Example: "We should focus on our shared goals."