ourselves

pronoun
UK: /ˌaʊəˈselvz/
US: /ˌaʊərˈselvz/

  1. The reflexive form of 'we', used when the subject and object of a verb are the same. It indicates that the action of the verb is performed by the subject on itself.

    1. We bought ourselves some ice cream. [ ] [ ]
    2. We convinced ourselves that everything would be alright despite the looming challenges before us. [ ] [ ]

  2. Used to emphasize 'we' when it is the subject of the sentence, indicating that no one else is involved.

    1. We ourselves saw it happen. [ ] [ ]
    2. We ourselves must take responsibility for the decisions that have shaped the company's current trajectory. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "ourselves" in English means: The reflexive form of 'we', used when the subject and object of a verb are the same. It indicates that the action of the verb is performed by the subject on itself., Used to emphasize 'we' when it is the subject of the sentence, indicating that no one else is involved..

The phonetic transcription of "ourselves" is /ˌaʊəˈselvz/ in British English and /ˌaʊərˈselvz/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Example usage of "ourselves": "We bought ourselves some ice cream.". More examples on the page.