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yourself

American  
[yoor-self, yawr-, yohr-, yer-] / jʊərˈsɛlf, jɔr-, joʊr-, jər- /

pronoun

  • yourselves
    plural
  1. (an emphatic appositive of you orye ).

    a letter you yourself wrote.

  2. a reflexive form of you (used as the direct or indirect object of a verb or the object of a preposition).

    Don't blame yourself. Did you ever ask yourself “why”? You can think for yourself.

  3. Informal. (used in place of you, especially in compound subjects, objects, and complements).

    Ted and yourself have been elected. We saw your sister and yourself at the game. People like yourselves always feel like that.

  4. (used in absolute constructions).

    Yourself having so little money, how could they expect you to help?

  5. your normal or customary self.

    You'll soon be yourself again.

  6. (used in place of you after as, than, orbut ).

    scholars as famous as yourselves; a girl no older than yourself.

  7. oneself.

    The surest way is to do it yourself.


yourself British  
/ jɔːˈsɛlf, jʊə- /

pronoun

    1. the reflexive form of you

    2. (intensifier)

      you yourself control your destiny

  1. (preceded by a copula) your normal or usual self

    you're not yourself these days

"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 yourself

Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325; see origin at your, 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:

When you’re interviewing someone who has gone through a terrible trauma, how have you thought about asking them to retell it for a public audience, having been in that position over and over again yourself?

From Slate ● Nov. 8, 2026

There is no better way to appreciate the infinite linear richness of this art than to sketch some of its exquisite and quietly sorrowful lines for yourself.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 7, 2026

So when you find yourself standing in front of the biscuit tin at 9pm, it may not be a lack of willpower.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026

Understanding yourself and your motivations will get you a lot further than any book on financial planning.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 5, 2026

You’re no good to anybody if you’re dead … including yourself.

From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith

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