ourself

[ ahr-self, ouuhr-, ou-er- ]

pronoun

1. one's own person, individuality, etc., considered as private and apart from others:

   It is for ourself that we should strive for greater knowledge.

2. (a form corresponding to ourselves, used of a single person, especially in the regal or formal style, as we for I ):

   We have taken unto ourself such powers as may be necessary.

ourself

/ aʊəˈsɛlf /

pronoun

1. archaic.
   a variant of myself , formerly used by monarchs or editors in formal contexts

Usage Note

See myself.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ourself¹

1300–50; Middle English oure self; our, self

Example Sentences

“We played our hearts out until the very end and we put ourself into the playoff. I tried my best out there.”

From Seattle Times

As chefs, of course we try to educate ourself as much as we can.

From Salon

We were putting truffles in the middle of the salmon and it was a bit more sophisticated, but we noticed that it was very quick, very fast to prepare and to cook, and that we actually loved it ourself very, very much.

From Salon

“We need to stand up, take control and work on improving ourself.”

From Washington Times

“We need to stand up, take control and work on improving ourself.”

From Seattle Times