yourself — meaning in English: yourself

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for yourself

cut

gas

recent

yourself

sing

Skip this question

🎓

Learn English for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'yourself' in informal contexts when giving advice, such as 'Take some time for yourself' or in self-reflective situations like 'Be true to yourself.' It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also appear in motivational speeches.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'yourself' emphasizes the individual and is often used for personal reflection, 'one' is a more formal, impersonal pronoun that can give a more general sense of the subject. You would choose 'yourself' in a personal context to create a sense of intimacy and directness.

Culture

'Yourself' is a reflexive pronoun that evolved from Middle English, where it was used to enhance or emphasize the subject of a sentence. Its significance is profound in self-help and wellness communities, highlighting the importance of individual well-being and self-care, especially in modern societies that emphasize personal development.

FAQ

Q.What does the word 'yourself' mean?

'Yourself' is a reflexive pronoun used to refer back to the subject of the sentence. It emphasizes the individual in actions or thoughts, as in 'You should be proud of yourself.'

Q.Can I use 'yourself' in formal writing?

'Yourself' is generally considered neutral, making it suitable for informal and neutral contexts, but in formal writing, you might want to use alternatives like 'one' or rephrase to maintain a more professional tone.

Q.Are there common mistakes in using 'yourself'?

One common mistake is misusing 'yourself' in place of 'you' as in 'You did this by yourself,' which is correct. However, be careful not to confuse it with 'your' which is possessive, as in 'Is that your book?'

Learn english with Maspeak →

English 1000