You — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

pronoun phrase verb /ˈyü/

Meaning & Definition of You

You (pronoun)

  1. the one or ones being addressed —used as the pronoun of the second person singular or plural in any grammatical relation except that of a possessive —used formerly only as a plural pronoun of the second person in the dative or accusative case as direct or indirect object of a verb or as object of a preposition
  2. one

You (phrase) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. any of various other things that might also be mentioned

    "a shop full of baubles, trinkets, and what have you"

    similar: what all, whatever, whatnot
    related: anything, whichever

You (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to give by means of a will

    "willed their house to their adult children"

    similar: bequeath, leave
    related: deed, hand down, hand on, pass (down), devise

  2. to see fit

    "do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair"

    similar: choose, like, please, want, wish
    related: ache (for), covet, crave, desire, die (for), fancy, hanker (for), hunger (for), itch (for), long (for), lust (for or after), pant (after), pine (for), repine (for), sigh (for), thirst (for), yearn (for), decide, determine, resolve

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for You

The most common words with a similar meaning to You:

what all, whatever, whatnot, bequeath, leave, choose, like, please, want, wish

Related Words for You

anything, whichever, deed, hand down, hand on, pass (down), devise, ache (for), covet, crave, desire, die (for), fancy, hanker (for), hunger (for), itch (for), long (for), lust (for or after), pant (after), pine (for), repine (for), sigh (for), thirst (for), yearn (for), decide, determine, resolve

Origin & Etymology of You

Middle English, from Old English ēow, dat. & accusative of gē you; akin to Old High German iu, dative of ir you, Sanskrit yūyam you

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for You

Words & Phrases Containing You

you-all, you get, you guys, you and yours, you can say that again, you can't know, you can't miss it, you can't teach an old dog new tricks, you could cut it with a knife

Frequently Asked Questions about You

What does "You" mean?

"You" means the one or ones being addressed —used as the pronoun of the second person singular or plural in any grammatical relation except that of a possessive —used formerly only as a plural pronoun of the second person in the dative or accusative case as direct or indirect object of a verb or as object of a preposition. As an a pronoun, a phrase and a verb, it is defined as: the one or ones being addressed —used as the pronoun of the second person singular or plural in any grammatical relation except that of a possessive —used formerly only as a plural pronoun of the second person in the dative or accusative case as direct or indirect object of a verb or as object of a preposition. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "You"?

Other words for "You" include what all, whatever, whatnot, bequeath, leave, choose, like and please. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "You" you intend.

What are different ways to say "You"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "You". Common alternatives include what all, whatever, whatnot, bequeath, leave, choose, like, please, want and wish.

How do you use "You" in a sentence?

Examples of "You" in a sentence: "a shop full of baubles, trinkets, and what have you"; "willed their house to their adult children"; "do as you will—I wash my hands of the whole affair".

Is "You" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"You" can be used as a pronoun, a phrase and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "You" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "You" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "You"?

"You" is pronounced /ˈyü/.

What is the origin of the word "You"?

"You" comes from Middle English, from Old English ēow, dat. & accusative of gē you; akin to Old High German iu, dative of ir you, Sanskrit yūyam you. First known use: before 12th century.