(used to denote oneself and another or others): We have two children. In this block we all own our own houses.
(used to denote people in general): the marvels of science that we take for granted.
(used to indicate a particular profession, nationality, political party, etc., that includes the speaker or writer): We in the medical profession have moral responsibilities.
Also called the royal we.(used by a sovereign, or by other high officials and dignitaries, in place of I in formal speech): We do not wear this crown without humility.
Also called the editorial we.(used by editors, writers, etc., to avoid the too personal or specific I or to represent a collective viewpoint): As for this column, we will have nothing to do with shady politicians.
you (used familiarly, often with mild condescension or sarcasm, as in addressing a child, a patient, etc.): We know that's naughty, don't we? It's time we took our medicine.
(used in the predicate following a copulative verb): It is we who should thank you.
(used in apposition with a noun, especially for emphasis): We Americans are a sturdy lot.
Origin of we
before 900; Middle English, Old English wē; cognate with Dutch wij,German wir,Old Norse vēr,Gothic weis
Words nearby we
wd, WDA, WDC, WDLL, WDM, we, WEA, weak, weak accumulation point, weak as a kitten, weaken
The Oldest Words In The English LanguageLet's look at some of the oldest words we could find—a linguistic square one. These words go back more than a thousand years! “Back in the day,” indeed.