What does yourself mean?
“Yourself” is a second-person singular pronoun in English, used in two especially important ways. Reflexively, it refers to the person being addressed: “She reminded herself to call later.” Emphatically, it stresses the identity or independence of the person addressed: “You can finish the project yourself.” In expressions such as “by yourself,” “help yourself,” and “make yourself at home,” it has idiomatic meanings related to being alone, taking available resources, or settling in comfortably. The word is neutral in register and can be used in both everyday conversation and formal writing. “Yourself” may also function as an intensifier when a person’s actions or qualities are being contrasted with those of someone else. Its related plural form, “yourselves,” is used when the pronoun refers to two or more people. Because the word is highly flexible, it can describe both literal self-reference and broader ideas of independence, self-possession, and emphasis.
pronounA second-person singular pronoun used to refer to the person being addressed, especially when the action is performed by that person. It can also emphasize a statement or contrast, as in “You can do it yourself.”
- A reflexive second-person singular pronoun referring to the person performing the action.
- An emphatic form of “you,” used to stress a quality, action, or contrast.
- An idiomatic form in phrases such as “by yourself” and “help yourself,” where it conveys meanings such as “alone” or “take what you need.”
"After a long journey, she gave herself a moment to rest."
"Please make sure that you lock the door behind yourself."
"You do not have to depend on anyone else; you can manage the situation yourself."
Yourself is a pronoun doing double duty: it can point back to the person addressed or emphasize that someone is acting independently.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does yourself come from?
“Yourself” is a compound of the possessive element “your” and the noun “self,” both inherited Old English words: “your” developed from Old English “eower,” while “self” is attested in Old English. The compound form was established in English by the Middle English period. Its structure reflects the language’s tendency to combine possessive forms with nouns, and modern “yourselves” is the corresponding plural form.
Related word forms
How yourself is actually used
“Yourself” is neutral in register and is common in both formal and informal English. Its emphatic use is especially frequent in speech, while phrases such as “be yourself” can sound encouraging, admonishing, or reassuring depending on context. “By yourself” means alone and does not necessarily imply loneliness.
Easily confused with yourself
“Yourself” refers to one person, whereas “yourselves” is the plural form used for two or more people.