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ourself

American  
[ahr-self, ouuhr-, 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.


ourself British  
/ aʊəˈsɛlf /

pronoun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

See myself.

Etymology

Origin of ourself

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

From Salon Oct. 4, 2023

“Vermont is an aging state and we’re a state that really prides ourself on democracy and participation,” she said pointing to the annual town meeting tradition.

From Seattle Times Jun. 27, 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

“Sure, we’d have a little house an’ a room to ourself.

From "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck

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