Yourself - Wikipedia-style Article
Yourself
Definition
Yourself is a pronoun used to refer to the person being addressed, emphasizing their actions or ownership. It can also be used reflexively when the subject and object of a verb are the same.
Parts of Speech
Pronunciation
American English
- IPA Pronunciation: /jɝːˈsɛlf/
- Respelling: yur-SELF
British English
- IPA Pronunciation: /jɔːˈsɛlf/
- Respelling: yawr-SELF
Etymology
The word "yourself" originated from Old English "ġē self," combining "ġē," meaning "you," with "self," meaning "oneself." It evolved in Middle English into "yourself," influenced by possessive pronouns.
Derivatives
- Yourselves (pronoun, plural form)
- Self-care (noun, concept involving care for oneself)
- Self-aware (adjective)
- None
- None
Synonyms
- You
- Thyself (archaic)
- Your own being
Antonyms
Usage
The word "yourself" is commonly used reflexively or emphatically in sentences. Reflexively: "You should take care of yourself." Emphatically: "Did you do this yourself?"
Related Terms
- You: A pronoun referring to the person being addressed.
- Self: A person's essential being.
- Reflexive pronoun: A pronoun used when the subject and object are the same.
Detailed Definitions
Pronoun
- Used reflexively to indicate the same person as the subject: Refers to the person performing and receiving an action.
- Example: "You need to believe in yourself."
- Used for emphasis: Highlights the person addressed as the one performing an action or owning something.
- Example: "Did you write this report yourself?"
- Used to refer to the general person addressed: Suggests an inclusive or universal meaning.
- Example: "Always be true to yourself."