Definition of 'your'

Word Frequency

your

(jɔːʳ , jʊəʳ )

language note: Your is the second person possessive determiner. Your can refer to one or more people.

1. determiner

A speaker or writer uses your to indicate that something belongs or relates to the person or people that they are talking or writing to.

Emma, I trust your opinion a great deal.

I left all of your messages on your desk.

If you are unable to obtain the information you require, consult your telephone directory.

2. determiner

In spoken English and informal written English, your is sometimes used to indicate that something belongs to or relates to people in general.

Pain-killers are very useful in small amounts to bring your temperature down.

I then realized how possible it was to overcome your limitations.

3. determiner

In spoken English, a speaker sometimes uses your before an adjective such as ' typical' or ' normal' to indicate that the thing referred to is a typical example of its type.

Stan Reilly is not really one of your typical Brighton Boys.

It's just your average wooden door.

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Video: pronunciation of
your

your in British English

(jɔː , jʊə , unstressed jə )

determiner

of, belonging to, or associated with you

your nose

your house

your first taste of freedom

belonging to or associated with an unspecified person or people in general

the path is on your left heading north

this lotion is for your head only

3. informal

used to indicate all things or people of a certain type

your Labrador is a gentle breed of dog

4. See your actual

Word origin

Old English eower, genitive of gē ye1; related to Old Frisian jūwe, Old Saxon euwa, Old High German iuwēr

Word Frequency

your in American English

(jʊr ; often jɔr )

possessive pronominal adjective

of, belonging to, made by, or done by you

also used before some formal titles

Your Honor, Your Majesty

2. Informal

the

used to designate a typical member of a group or class: often followed by average

Word origin

ME your, eower < OE eower, gen. of ge, ye: see thou1 pronoun

Word Frequency

your in American English

(jur, jɔr, jour, unstressed jər)

pronoun

(a form of the possessive case of you used as an attributive adjective)

Your jacket is in that closet

I like your idea

Compare yours

one's (used to indicate that one belonging to oneself or to any person)

The consulate is your best source of information

As you go down the hill, the library is on your left

(used informally to indicate all members of a group, occupation, etc., or things of a particular type)

Take your factory worker, for instance

Your power brakes don't need that much servicing

Word origin

[bef. 900; ME; OE ēower (gen. of gē ye1); c. G euer]

Examples of 'your' in a sentence
your

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

He points out that by committing to storing your belongings you are forced to sort things out.You have much to say and many plans to share with the key people in your life.The only thing you can alter is your food and people eat less to keep warm.Some people may doubt your choices but let time prove you right. People love your ideas and your success can go from local to global.If your people need anything then you must ask my government.Are all the people in your place good people?You bring people to your home.Your success surprises people - including you.The solstice makes this the shortest day but it could also be the one that brings so many interesting people into your life.