How Do You Spell OUR?

Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ʊ͡ə] (IPA)

The word "our" is a pronoun used to indicate that something belongs to us. Despite its simplicity, the spelling of this word is somewhat unique. The "ou" combination creates a diphthong - a vowel sound made up of two distinct sounds - in English called the "ow" sound (/aʊ/). This sound can be a bit tricky for non-native English speakers to pronounce correctly. However, with practice, it can easily become second nature to those learning the language. So next time you see the word "our," remember to pronounce it like "ow-er."

OUR Meaning and Definition

  1. Our is a pronoun used to indicate possession or association with a group of people that includes the speaker. Derived from the Old English word "ure," it refers to the collective ownership or belonging of a particular group. Primarily used as a first-person plural possessive pronoun, "our" emphasizes the joint ownership or affiliation that multiple individuals have with something. It denotes that something belongs to both the speaker and at least one other person or multiple individuals within the same group.

    The term "our" is often utilized to refer to shared experiences, resources, or responsibilities among a collective. It is commonly used to demonstrate unity, inclusivity, and kinship, highlighting the connection between individuals within a defined group. By using "our," speakers acknowledge a sense of commonality and a shared commitment to a particular identity.

    The term can be employed in various contexts, such as family, friends, colleagues, or members of a specific organization or community. It serves to establish a sense of togetherness and collaboration, emphasizing the idea that the speaker and others are part of a cohesive unit or have mutual interests.

  2. Pert. to or belonging to us.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for OUR *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for OUR

Etymology of OUR

The word "our" can be traced back to the Old English word "ūre", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "unsar". It ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "n̥s-", meaning "we" or "us". The word has undergone various changes throughout the centuries, but its essential meaning has remained consistent, referring to the possessive pronoun used to indicate belonging to or associated with the speaker and one or more other people.

Idioms with the word OUR

  • put our heads together The idiom "put our heads together" means to collaborate, work closely, or brainstorm ideas with others in order to come up with a solution or reach a collective decision.
  • in our (or your or their) midst The idiom "in our (or your or their) midst" refers to something or someone being present or happening within a group or community. It suggests that the subject is not external or distant, but rather part of the immediate environment or closely connected to the group.
  • year of our Lord The idiom "year of our Lord" is often used to indicate the year according to the Christian Era. It is typically abbreviated as "A.D." which stands for "Anno Domini" in Latin, meaning "in the year of our Lord." The idiom denotes the time since the birth of Jesus Christ and is used as a reference point in the Gregorian calendar system.
  • this, our, etc. neck of the woods The idiom "this, our, etc. neck of the woods" refers to a specific geographical or local area, often used to indicate a neighborhood, region, or vicinity where the speaker is located or familiar with. It implies a sense of colloquialism and familiarity, emphasizing the speaker's personal connection to the place mentioned.
  • welcome to our house

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