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our‧selves S1 W3
1 used by the person speaking to show that they and one or more other people are affected by their own action : 
We prepared ourselves for the long journey ahead.It was strange seeing ourselves on television.
We prepared ourselves for the long journey ahead.It was strange seeing ourselves on television.2
a) used to emphasize 'we' or 'us' : We built the house ourselves. As parents ourselves, we understand the problem
We built the house ourselves.As parents ourselves, we understand the problemb) used after 'as', 'like', or 'except' instead of 'us' : More help is needed for people like ourselves.
More help is needed for people like ourselves.3
(all) by ourselves
a) alone : We weren't supposed to play by ourselves near the pond.
We weren't supposed to play by ourselves near the pond.b) without help from anyone else : I knew that Tim and I wouldn't be able to do the whole job by ourselves.
I knew that Tim and I wouldn't be able to do the whole job by ourselves.4 without having to share something with any other people : We had the house to ourselves.
(all) to ourselves
We had the house to ourselves.