This

Definition

This is a pronoun, determiner, and adverb used to identify a specific person, object, or idea that is nearby in space, time, or thought relative to the speaker.

Parts of Speech

• Pronoun
• Determiner
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ðɪs/
• Respelling: this

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ðɪs/
• Respelling: this

Etymology

The word "this" originates from Old English "þes," "þeos," and "þis," meaning "this, these." It stems from Proto-Germanic "*þis," related to Old High German "dise" and Gothic "þis," and ultimately from Proto-Indo-European "*to-" (that, this).

Derivatives

• These (plural form)
• Thisness (noun, philosophy)
• Thither (adverb, archaic)
• Thus (adverb, related)
• Here (adverb, contextually related)

Synonyms

• Here
• That (context-dependent)
• Such

Antonyms

• That
• Those
• None

Usage

As a pronoun, "this" identifies a specific object or concept close to the speaker. For example, "This is my favorite book."

As a determiner, "this" modifies nouns to specify proximity. For example, "This apple is fresh."

As an adverb, "this" modifies adjectives or adverbs to denote degree. For example, "The painting is this beautiful."

Related Terms

• That: Refers to objects or concepts further away in space or thought.
• These: Plural form of "this."
• Here: Indicates a position close to the speaker.

Detailed Definitions

Pronoun

• Used to identify a specific person, object, or idea: Refers to something close to the speaker.
  • Example: "This is the book I was talking about."

Determiner

• Used to specify a particular noun: Modifies nouns to indicate proximity.
  • Example: "I’ll take this one."

Adverb

• Used to indicate a degree or extent: Modifies adjectives or adverbs.
  • Example: "It was this big!"