ours English · revision 7280

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=c. 1300}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈaʊəz/, /ɑːz/ ''(UK)''; /ˈaʊɚz/, /ɑɹz/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is Middle English oures, ures, formed from [[our]] with the genitive -s, a double possessive.^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(SOED 2002) It originated in northern England.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ That or those belonging to us: about 1300 in Etymonline, before 1300 in the OED.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It took over the absolute function of our.^(Etymonline) In Middle English ourn and ouren were also used;^(Etymonline) SOED compares the dialect form ''ourn''.^(SOED 2002) ''Of ours'' is from the 14th century.^(OED 1989) As the Century Dictionary puts it, ours stands to our as hers to her, yours to your and mine to my.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 1300 – ours.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+ * 14th century – of ours.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Pronoun===

+ # The one or ones belonging to or associated with us.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[our]]

+ * [[us]]

+ * [[we]]

+ * [[yours]]

+ * [[hers]]

+ * [[ourn]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}