ourselves - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
ourselves Word Meanings
- used to refer to a group that includes the speaker
- emphasizes the subject of the verb
- to indicate self-identity or self-reference
ourselves Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
ourselves Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/aʊəˈsɛlvz/
US
/aʊrˈsɛlvz/
ourselves Word Etymology
ourselves = our + selves; historically from Old English 'ūre' (our) + 'self'; imagine a group of friends looking at their reflections, each seeing themselves and saying 'we are ourselves.'
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
First I shift my weight, letting my breath slow as I move toward the idea that we share the action. I pull the focus toward us, adjust how we see who is steering, and hold the moment that the group acts together. The scene changes as we decide what to do next, and I feel our sense of self grow in that shared action—ourselves.
Real Context
ourselves is a reflexive pronoun used to refer to the speaker and others in the same group, and to add emphasis on the subject or the group performing the action. It often appears after verbs or prepositions, in phrases like we did it ourselves, by ourselves, or for ourselves, signaling self-reliance, collective identity, or mutual involvement. It contrasts with we as a subject pronoun or our as possessive determiner, by providing a reflexive or emphatic focus. Learners frequently confuse it with ourselves being a subject complement, or mistakenly place it after an object that does not require reflexive emphasis. The historical note: it comes from our + selves in Old English, illustrating group self-reference in English.
Usage Reminders
- Use ourselves for emphasis on the group action
- Place after a verb or preposition when emphasizing the group
- Avoid using ourselves as a simple subject or object without reflexive force
- Do not confuse with us or we in non-emphatic contexts
- Choose ourselves to stress self-reliance or collaborative identity
- Remember the contrast with our/ours as possessive forms
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking it for a possessive like 'our' or 'ours'.
- Using it as a plain subject without emphasis (we did it).
- Placing it after a non-reflexive verb where it isn't required.
- Thinking it can refer to a single person.
- Confusing with 'myself' when talking about a group.
Thinking Differences
English uses ourselves as a reflexive and emphatic pronoun tied to the subject group; learners often misuse it as a plain object or misplace it after non-reflexive verbs, and may overemphasize in places where a simple 'we' would suffice.
Learning Tips
- Practice with inclusive contexts (we, our group) to feel the emphasis.
- Compare sentences with and without ourselves to spot the nuance.
- Use after verbs like did/ fixed/prepared when the group acted independently.
- Avoid inserting ourselves where the action is not reflexive.
- Note the contrast with possessive our/ours and with subject we.
- Listen for natural emphasis in spoken English and imitate it.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'ourselves'?
A.The opposite of 'yourself'
B.The people we are
C.Things we own
D.A group of people
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'ourselves' correctly?
A.Let's go to the store to buy ourselves some drinks.
B.They picked up the book for ourselves.
C.We need to remind ourselves to eat more fruits and vegetables.
D.Our teacher taught ourselves how to solve the math problem.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'ourselves'?
A.Strong
B.Sky
C.Me
D.Walk
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'ourselves'?
A.Them
B.Empty
C.Always
D.Soft
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where we use the word 'ourselves'?
A.They decorated the house by themselves.
B.She prepared a delicious dinner for her family.
C.We often doubt our abilities when we are under pressure.
D.The team worked together to organize the event.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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