we

[wee]

pronoun

possessive

our, ours ,

objective

us .

1. nominative plural of I.

2. (used to denote oneself and another or others).

   We have two children. In this block we all own our own houses.

3. (used to denote people in general).

   the marvels of science that we take for granted.

4. (used to indicate a particular profession, nationality, political party, etc., that includes the speaker or writer).

   We in the medical profession have moral responsibilities.

5. Also called the royal we. (used by a sovereign, or by other high officials and dignitaries, in place of I in formal speech).

   We do not wear this crown without humility.

6. Also called the editorial we. (used by editors, writers, etc., to avoid the too personal or specific I or to represent a collective viewpoint).

   As for this column, we will have nothing to do with shady politicians.

7. you (used familiarly, often with mild condescension or sarcasm, as in addressing a child, a patient, etc.).

   We know that's naughty, don't we? It's time we took our medicine.

8. (used in the predicate following a copulative verb).

   It is we who should thank you.

9. (used in apposition with a noun, especially for emphasis).

   We Americans are a sturdy lot.

we

/ wiː /

pronoun

1. refers to the speaker or writer and another person or other people

   we should go now

2. refers to all people or people in general

   the planet on which we live

3. 1. when used by editors or other writers, and formerly by monarchs, a formal word for I 1

   2. ( as noun )

      he uses the royal we in his pompous moods

4. informal,  used instead of you with a tone of persuasiveness, condescension, or sarcasm

   how are we today?

Word History and Origins

Origin of we¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English wē; cognate with Dutch wij, German wir, Old Norse vēr, Gothic weis

Word History and Origins

Origin of we¹

Old English wē, related to Old Saxon wī, Old High German wir, Old Norse vēr, Danish, Swedish vi, Sanskrit vayam

Example Sentences

"We take this extremely seriously and as the well-being of our guests is our top priority, we have voluntarily closed until further notice," the owners said, adding that they hoped to reopen on 7 October.

From BBC

Asked about SCR at the Leaders sports conference in London, Masters said: "We are talking to our clubs about an alternative system. That's not to say we don't think the PSR system works."

From BBC

"There simply are no easy answers and we look forward to all of the complexities being fully ventilated in this module," she said.

From BBC

“If we don’t do that, more children will be abused by people who don’t know better. Their children’s lives are being abused day and night,” Pickup said.

From Salon

"We can't wait for the national and international music spotlight to shine on our fantastic city, showcasing our burgeoning music industry, hugely talented musicians and amazing venues," she said.

From BBC

Related Words

• they 
• you