yourself - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
yourself Word Meanings
- A reflexive pronoun referring back to the subject, as in you hurt yourself.
- An intensifier or emphatic pronoun, as in you yourself must decide or do it yourself.
- In phrases like Be yourself or do it yourself, it can mean acting according to one's own character or doing something without help.
yourself Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
yourself Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/jɔːˈsɛlf/
US
/jɚˈsɛlf/
yourself Word Etymology
Root decomposition: you + self; Historical origin: from Old English you + self, a Germanic combination with no direct Latin/Greek root; Memory image: imagine a mirror where you see your own face and hear the words you yourself reminding you that the reference is to you.
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
You reach out, set your hand on the edge of the table, and feel your breath slow. A small shift in your posture makes the room seem to listen to you, and the effort of keeping steady grows clearer. Be yourself in the small acts, or do it yourself when the moment calls, letting your choice come from your own pace. The meaning settles in as you move forward, carried by your own sense of self.
Real Context
Yourself is a reflexive pronoun that refers back to the subject (you). It appears most often in two broad ways: as a direct reflexive object, as in you hurt yourself, where the action returns to you; and as an emphatic or intensifying pronoun, as in you yourself must decide or do it yourself, stressing personal involvement or capability. In common phrases like Be yourself or Do it yourself, the meaning shifts toward authenticity or independence—acting according to your own character or handling a task without help. Remember that English requires the reflexive form only when the subject and the object are the same, and not in all cases where emphasis is desired.
Usage Reminders
- • Use yourself when the object refers back to you in an action.
- • Use yourself for emphasis with you yourself must decide or do it yourself.
- • Be careful with Be yourself and Do it yourself; they mean authenticity or independence.
- • Do not use yourself in formal passive constructions.
- • Use yourselves for plural you in appropriate contexts, not yourself.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing you with yourself in reflexive contexts
- Thinking 'yourself' is always required after verbs for emphasis
- Using yourself with a plural subject (should be yourselves)
- Mistaking 'yourself' for a possessive determiner
- Overusing yourself in informal speech where 'you' would suffice
Thinking Differences
For English learners, yourself serves as both a reflexive object and an empowering intensifier. Learners often overuse it or apply it where a simple you would suffice, and they must learn the plural form yourselves for you all.
Learning Tips
- Practice both reflexive and emphatic uses in speaking sets
- Memorize common collocations Be yourself and Do it yourself
- Differentiate yourself from yourselves for plural you
- Know when not to use a reflexive pronoun
- Compare with other languages that lack an exact equivalent
- Watch intonation when emphasizing with yourself
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'yourself' correctly?
A.He cooked dinner for yourself.
B.Don't be too hard on yourself.
C.She can do it by yourself.
D.I saw yourself at the park.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'yourself'?
A.Computer
B.Himself
C.Table
D.Sport
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'yourself'?
A.Crowd
B.Itself
C.Joy
D.Fast
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'yourself'?
A.She drove to the store by herself.
B.They all went together to the movies.
C.We always have fun at family gatherings.
D.He enjoys reading books in his spare time.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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