- 1used to emphasize that something belongs to or is connected with someone It was her own idea. I saw it with my own eyes (= I didn't hear about it from someone else). Is the car your own? Your day off is your own (= you can spend it as you wish). Our children are grown up and have children of their own. For reasons of his own (= particular reasons that perhaps only he knew about), he refused to join the club. The accident happened through no fault of her own. He wants to come into the business on his own terms. I need a room of my own. I have my very own room at last. Own cannot be used after an article:I need my own room.I need an own room.It's good to have your own room.It's good to have the own room.
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- 2done or produced by and for yourself She makes all her own clothes. He has to cook his own meals.
- 1alone; without anyone else I'm all on my own today. She lives on her own.
- 2without help He did it on his own.
to have the opportunity to show how good or useful you are or something is When the traffic's this bad, a bicycle really comes into its own.
bad people often seem to have good luck
to have your own opinion and make your own decisions without being influenced by other people She has a mind of her own and isn't afraid to say what she thinks. (humorous) My computer seems to have a mind of its own!
to remain in a strong position when someone is attacking you, competing with you, etc. Business isn't good but we're managing to hold our own. She can hold her own against anybody in an argument. The patient is holding her own although she is still very sick.
to like talking a lot or too much, usually without wanting to listen to other people She's much too fond of the sound of her own voice.
Check pronunciation: own