WordGarden.ioourselves
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /aʊəsˈɛlvz/
US
- /aʊərˈsɛlvz/
Meanings
Pronoun
the same people as the subject, used as their own object
used to emphasize that we did or experienced something personally
Beyond the definition
"Ourselves" is not just about us as separate people; it is about all of us acting together or thinking about our own actions as a group. Think of a team working toward a shared goal. This word shows that we are doing something that affects our own group directly, as in, "We challenged ourselves to finish the project early."
As a reflexive pronoun, "ourselves" refers back to the subject of the sentence, "we." If you say, "We built this garden ourselves," you are emphasizing that we did all the work without outside help. It is also used for emphasis and self-reflection: "We need to be honest with ourselves." It is a word tied to unity, responsibility, and the understanding of who we are as a group.
"Ourselves" is the plural reflexive or emphatic pronoun used when the subject of a sentence—"we"—is also the recipient of the action. It is more than just a grammatical placeholder; it speaks to our shared identity, agency, and internal connection.
As a reflexive pronoun, "ourselves" indicates that the subject is both performing and receiving an action. For example: "We prepared ourselves for the upcoming challenge." Here, we are the ones doing the preparing, and we are also the ones being prepared. Without "ourselves," the sentence would feel incomplete; it specifies that the action stays within our group.
As an emphatic pronoun, "ourselves" adds weight to a statement to highlight self-reliance. "We painted the entire mural ourselves" doesn't just state a fact; it proudly declares that no one else was involved and that we took full responsibility for the task. It implies a sense of independence and collective determination.
The use of "ourselves" also shifts our focus inward. Consider the phrase: "We need to protect ourselves." This isn't only about guarding against external threats; it's about acknowledging our shared vulnerability and taking active steps to safeguard our well-being. It's about self-preservation and the duty we owe to one another.
Finally, "ourselves" is frequently used in the context of growth and societal change: "We must hold ourselves accountable." This is a call to action, urging us to examine our own behaviors and strive for improvement—not just as individuals, but as a community. Whether we are reflecting on our progress or emphasizing our independence, "ourselves" is a powerful word that connects who we are to what we do.
Examples
- 1
Preparing food
We made sandwiches for ourselves before the trip.
- 2
Reflection
We looked at ourselves in the mirror and laughed.
- 3
Independent action
We fixed the problem ourselves.
- 4
Working alone
We decided to do the project by ourselves this time.
- Phraseby ourselves
without other people helping or joining us
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Small reward
After the long walk, we treated ourselves to coffee and cake.
- Patterntreat ourselves to + special thing
enjoy or buy something special
- 6
Self-honesty
We need to be honest with ourselves about the cost.
- 7
Enjoyment
When the music started, we finally began to enjoy ourselves.
- 8
Personal check
We should see the apartment for ourselves before we sign anything.
- Phrasesee for ourselves
check something personally
- 9
Private opinion
Between ourselves, I don't think the plan will work.
- Phrasebetween ourselves
keep this private
- 10
Social distance
We mostly keep to ourselves when we visit my cousins.
- Phrasekeep to ourselves
stay separate and not talk much with others
See also
Shades of meaning
- personally
- without help
Contrast
- us
- we
Do not confuse
- each other
Used with (collocations)
- by ourselves
- do it ourselves
- among ourselves
- we ourselves
Word family
- ourself
Explore
- reflexive pronoun
- emphatic pronoun
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- ourselvespronoun