Definition

A word used to refer to a group that includes the speaker and others, often used for emphasis or to indicate that the action is done by the group itself.

Example

We decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner after a long week.

Conversation

Have you and Mark decided what to do for the weekend?

Not yet, but we were thinking of treating ourselves to a nice dinner.

That sounds great! We should definitely spoil ourselves a little.

Absolutely! A good meal always lifts our spirits.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Ourselves** → The word is formed from "our" (from Old English *ūre*, meaning belonging to us) and "-self" (from Old English *self*, meaning oneself). The term "ourselves" refers to the self of us, indicating a collective identity or action taken by a group including the speaker.

Memory Tip

Think of 'our' as belonging to us and '-self' as referring to oneself — together, they remind you that 'ourselves' means the self of us.

Visually Confused Words