Definition of yourself

Short definition: The word yourself refers to the same person being spoken to, used when someone does something alone, focuses on their own feelings, or is encouraged to be natural and confident as who they are.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word yourself? The word yourself is often used when we talk about the person we are speaking to in a more personal and direct way. It can show that an action comes back to the same person who does it, but it can also be used to add emphasis, encouragement, or even comfort. In daily conversations, yourself helps make sentences feel more human, more supportive, and more connected to real emotions. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed and natural way, with examples that sound like real-life conversations rather than formal dictionary lines.

Form: yourself (reflexive pronoun of you)
Related: yourselves pron.
Syllable: your-self

1. Referring back to the same person who performs the action.

   In this most basic sense, yourself is used when the person doing something is also the one receiving the action. It helps avoid repeating the word you and makes the sentence clearer, especially when talking about daily actions that involve taking care of yourself, teaching yourself, or reminding yourself of something important.

   You should take better care of yourself, especially when you have been working long hours without enough rest.
   She told him to enjoy himself, but you should enjoy yourself too when you finally take a break.
   Don’t blame yourself for every mistake, because learning often comes from things that don’t go perfectly.

   Synonyms: you personally, your own self, the real you, your inner self, yourself alone, the person you are, your own person, you in person, you as yourself, the same person, you as the doer, you as the receiver
   Antonyms: someone else, another person, others, people around you, anyone but you, someone different, somebody else, another self, not you, another individual, a different person, someone outside you

2. Used for emphasis to show that the listener is directly involved.

   Sometimes yourself is added not because it is grammatically required, but because the speaker wants to highlight that you are personally involved. It gives extra weight to the sentence and makes the message feel more direct, as if the speaker is pointing gently at you and saying, “I mean you.”

   You saw it yourself, so you know exactly what happened without anyone explaining it to you.
   You can decide yourself what path to take, because it is your life and your future.
   You said it yourself, and that’s why everyone took your words seriously.

   Synonyms: personally, on your own, by yourself, in person, directly, first-hand, with your own eyes, personally involved, independently, for yourself, on your own authority, by your own choice
   Antonyms: through others, second-hand, indirectly, by someone else, not personally, with help, through another person, guided by others, dependent on others, not by you, by proxy, through someone else

3. Used to encourage independence and self-reliance.

   In many everyday situations, yourself appears when people talk about doing things on your own. It carries a sense of independence—showing that you are capable of handling situations without always depending on others.

   Try to solve the problem yourself first, and if it’s still confusing, then you can ask for help.
   You did this all by yourself, and you should be proud of how far you’ve come.
   Sometimes learning to stand on yourself is the first step toward real confidence.

   Synonyms: on your own, independently, by yourself, without help, self-reliantly, alone, solo, personally, without support, self-directed, self-managed, self-driven
   Antonyms: with help, together with others, dependent on someone, assisted by others, guided by someone else, supported by others, not alone, in a group, relying on others, with support, under guidance, assisted

4. Used to talk about self-reflection and personal identity.

   Sometimes yourself is used in a deeper way, especially when talking about understanding who you are, what you feel, and what you really want in life. In this sense, it connects to ideas of self-awareness and honesty with yourself.

   Take some quiet time to listen to yourself, because only you truly know what feels right for your life.
   She told him to be yourself, reminding him that pretending to be someone else only creates stress.
   When you finally accept yourself, it becomes easier to accept others too.

   Synonyms: your true self, inner self, real you, personal identity, who you are inside, genuine self, authentic you, true identity, inner person, real character, personal self, own identity
   Antonyms: fake self, false image, pretending, someone else’s identity, acting a role, wearing a mask, hiding yourself, being someone else, living a lie, losing yourself, false personality, artificial self

5. (Informal) Used in friendly or caring expressions.

   In casual and caring speech, yourself often appears in expressions meant to show kindness, concern, or encouragement. It softens the tone and makes advice or reminders sound warmer and more supportive.

   Take care of yourself, and don’t forget to rest when you start feeling tired.
   Enjoy yourself at the party, you deserve to relax after such a busy week.
   Just be yourself, because that’s more than enough for the people who truly care about you.

   Synonyms: you, dear you, your own person, you personally, the real you, yourself dear, you as you are, the true you, you as a person, your own self, yourself truly, you honestly
   Antonyms: no one, nobody, someone else, not you, others, a different person, another identity, someone different, not yourself, being someone else, losing yourself, forgetting who you are