we

/wee/, pron. pl., possessive our or ours, objective us.

1. nominative pl. of I.

2. (used to denote oneself and another or others): We have two children. In this block we all own our own houses.

3. (used to denote people in general): the marvels of science that we take for granted.

4. (used to indicate a particular profession, nationality, political party, etc., that includes the speaker or writer): We in the medical profession have moral responsibilities.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. (used in the predicate following a copulative verb): It is we who should thank you.

9. (used in apposition with a noun, esp. for emphasis): We Americans are a sturdy lot.

[bef. 900; ME, OE we; c. D wij, G wir, ON ver, Goth weis]

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