Word: Ourselves

Pronunciation

/ˌaʊərˈselvz/

Definitions

Pronoun (pron): The reflexive form of ‘we’, used when the subject and object of a verb are the same people. It emphasizes that the action reflects back on the subject.

Definition Examples

• We must do it ourselves. (The action of doing it is performed by us, not anyone else.)
• Let’s introduce ourselves. (The act of introducing is being done by us referring to the speaker and listener.)

Phrases

• By ourselves implies doing something alone without others’ assistance.
  • We decided to finish the project by ourselves.
• To do something for ourselves means to act independently or take care of one’s own needs.
  • It’s important to take time for ourselves every day.

Example Sentences

• We need to rely on ourselves if we want to succeed.
• We cooked dinner ourselves instead of ordering out.
• They congratulated themselves on a job well done.

Synonyms

• Our own selves
• Us (in certain contexts where emphasis on self-action is required)
• Personally (when used in the sense of acting independently)

Note: Unlike other parts of speech, reflexive pronouns like “ourselves” don’t have direct synonyms because their function is unique. They reflect the action back to the subject performing the action and cannot be replaced by nouns or other types of pronouns without changing the meaning of the sentence.