ourself

American  

[ahr-self, ou^uhr-, ou-er-] / ɑrˈsɛlf, aʊər-, ˌaʊ ər- /

pronoun

1. one's own person, individuality, etc., considered as private and apart from others.

   It is for ourself that we should strive for greater knowledge.

2. (a form corresponding to ourselves, used of a single person, especially in the regal or formal style, as we forI ).

   We have taken unto ourself such powers as may be necessary.

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ourself British  

/ aʊəˈsɛlf /

pronoun

1. archaic a variant of myself , formerly used by monarchs or editors in formal contexts

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Usage

See myself.

Etymology

Origin of ourself

1300–50; Middle English oure self; see our, self

Example Sentences

As chefs, of course we try to educate ourself as much as we can.

From Salon • Oct. 4, 2023

“Man, we hold ourself to a high standard,” Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo said after the historic blowout of TCU at Sofi Stadium.

From Washington Times • Jan. 10, 2023

In the moment between wakefulness and sleep, we may feel like we are losing ourself to the void of unconsciousness.

From Scientific American • Aug. 26, 2022

"If you ask which one has ever done the best as far as giving these, we're both going to say it's ourself, right?"

From Fox News • Dec. 25, 2021

The lady who had showed us into Tuttle’s office had said to help ourself, but Ma and me didn’t want none.

From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore