your
/jɔː
/ /jʊə /possessive determiner
1Belonging to or associated with the person or people that the speaker is addressing: what is your name?...
- We can buy the list that has your name and address on it to mail things out to you.
- All you have to do is find a user name, decide on a password and give them your email address.
- So just leave your email address in your review if you want me to email you when I post.
2Belonging to or associated with any person in general: the sight is enough to break your heart...
- In any event, if you can find it in your hearts to help us out, we will be eternally grateful.
- Some people say if a burglar wants to break into your house, he will get in no matter what you do.
- To wear your heart on your sleeve now means it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.
2.1 informal Used to denote someone or something that is familiar or typical of its kind: I’m just your average man in the street she is one of your chatty types...
- To your average punter, dance is to the dramatic arts what free jazz is to the musical.
- Can you imagine what your average bar or pub would be like if men had a time of the month?
3 (Your) Used when addressing the holder of certain titles: Your Majesty Your Excellency...
- When the time comes to say goodbye, you should once again address the Queen as Your Majesty.
Usage
Note the difference between the possessive your (as in what is your name?) and the contraction you’re, meaning ‘you are’ (as in you’re looking well). Note also that neither your nor yours should be written with an apostrophe.
Origin
Old English ēower, genitive of gē (see ye1), of Germanic origin; related to German euer.