the reflexive form of you (intensifier): you yourself control your destiny - (preceded by a copula)
your normal or usual self: you're not yourself these days
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
your•self /yʊrˈsɛlf, yɔr-, yɚ-/USA pronunciation
pron., pl. -selves
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- /-ˈsɛlvz/USA pronunciation .
- a form of the pronoun you, a reflexive pronoun, used to show that the subject of the sentence and this pronoun, the direct or indirect object of a verb or object of a preposition, refer to the same person:Did you ever ask yourself, "Why?''; You can think for yourself.
- (used to give emphasis to the word you):I have here a letter that you yourself wrote.
- (used in place of youin certain constructions):a small gift for your mother and yourself.
- your usual, normal, or customary self:You'll soon be yourself again.
- oneself:The surest way is to do it yourself.
your•self
(yŏŏr self′, yôr-, yōr-, yər-),USA pronunciation pron., pl. -selves
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(-selvz′).USA pronunciation
- (an emphatic appositive of you or ye):a letter you yourself wrote.
- 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.
- [Informal.](used in place of you, esp. 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.
- (used in absolute constructions):Yourself having so little money, how could they expect you to help?
- your normal or customary self:You'll soon be yourself again.
- (used in place of you after as, than, or but):scholars as famous as yourselves; a girl no older than yourself.
- oneself:The surest way is to do it yourself.
- 1275–1325; Middle English; see your, self
- See myself.
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