Its

Definition

Its is a possessive pronoun or determiner used to indicate that something belongs to or is associated with a previously mentioned or implied singular noun that is not a person. It is distinct from "it's," which is a contraction of "it is" or "it has."

Parts of Speech

• Possessive Pronoun
• Determiner

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪts/
• Respelling: its

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪts/
• Respelling: its

Etymology

The word "its" emerged in the 16th century as a possessive form of "it," derived from the Old English neuter pronoun "hit." The possessive form "its" replaced the older usage "his" (common in Middle English) for inanimate objects or abstract entities.

Derivatives

• Itself (reflexive pronoun)
• It's (contraction of "it is" or "it has")
• Units (plural noun form of a related word)
• Unrelated (adjective, related to detachment)
• Finiteness (abstract noun form)

Synonyms

• Belonging to it
• Of it
• None

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "its" is frequently used to denote possession or association. For example, "The cat licked its paw," or "Each country has its unique traditions."

Related Terms

• Possessive Pronouns: Words such as "his," "her," and "their" indicating possession.
• It: The base pronoun used to refer to an object, animal, or concept.
• Contractions: Words like "it's" combining "it is" or "it has."

Detailed Definitions

Possessive Pronoun

• Used to indicate possession or association: Shows that something belongs to or is related to a singular, inanimate noun or an animal.
  • Example: "The company increased its revenue last year."

Determiner

• Denotes possession or attribution to something previously mentioned: Used before a noun to specify ownership.
  • Example: "The tree shed its leaves in autumn."