You

Definition

You is a pronoun used to refer to the person or people being addressed, whether in singular or plural form.

Parts of Speech

• Pronoun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /juː/
• Respelling: YOO

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /juː/
• Respelling: YOO

Etymology

The word "you" originates from Old English "ēow," the dative and accusative form of "ġē," meaning "ye" or "you" (plural). It later evolved in Middle English as both singular and plural forms, becoming the universal second-person pronoun in Modern English.

Derivatives

• Your (possessive adjective)
• Yours (possessive pronoun)
• Yourself (reflexive pronoun)
• Yourselves (reflexive pronoun, plural)
• Ye (archaic form)

Synonyms

• Thou (archaic)
• Thee (archaic)
• Ye (archaic)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The pronoun "you" is widely used in everyday conversation and writing to directly address an individual or group, as in "Are you coming to the meeting?" or "Thank you for your help."

Related Terms

• I: The pronoun referring to the speaker.
• We: The pronoun referring to the speaker and others.
• They: The pronoun referring to others.

Detailed Definitions

Pronoun

• Refers to the person or people being addressed: Used as the primary second-person pronoun in English.
  • Example: "Can you help me with this task?"
• Used in formal and informal contexts: Applicable in various tones and settings.
  • Example: "You are cordially invited to the event."
• Emphatic or reflexive use: Can be combined with "yourself" or "yourselves" for emphasis.
  • Example: "Did you do it yourself?"