His Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👨

Add to dictionary

his

[hɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Pronoun}

possessive pronoun

belonging to or associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified; often used in place of a possessive pronoun

Synonyms

his own, his very own.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
his	Also used to imply ownership, but more general. This can refer to both singular and plural entities. Those are his books. That's his favorite restaurant.
his own	Emphasizes that something belongs to or is associated with the mentioned male and not with anyone else. Useful in situations where ownership or association needs to be stressed. He built his own house. Tom likes to solve his own problems.
his very own	An even stronger emphasis on personal ownership or association, often used to highlight the uniqueness or personal value of the item. He finally got his very own car. She gave him his very own personalized mug.

Word

Description / Examples

his

Also used to imply ownership, but more general. This can refer to both singular and plural entities.

Those are his books.
That's his favorite restaurant.

his own

Emphasizes that something belongs to or is associated with the mentioned male and not with anyone else. Useful in situations where ownership or association needs to be stressed.

He built his own house.
Tom likes to solve his own problems.

his very own

An even stronger emphasis on personal ownership or association, often used to highlight the uniqueness or personal value of the item.

He finally got his very own car.
She gave him his very own personalized mug.

Examples of usage

His coat is hanging on the hook.
He walked his dog in the park.
I saw his car parked outside.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

slang

a male person, especially when used to refer to someone in a humorous or mocking way

Synonyms

dude, guy, man.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
his	Used to denote possession by a male person or animal. His book is on the table The dog loves his toy
guy	Casual term for a male person, often used in general conversation. Can imply familiarity but is more neutral than 'dude.' I met a guy at the party last night That guy works at the coffee shop
man	Common and neutral term for an adult male person. Can also be used to express strong feelings or draw attention in colloquial speech. He's a good man Man, that was an amazing concert!
dude	Informal term used primarily in American English to refer to a man, often in a casual or friendly manner. Hey dude, what's up? That dude over there is a really good skateboarder

Examples of usage

He thinks he's a big shot, but really, he's just a his.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Grammar

'His' is a possessive pronoun, meaning it shows ownership or belonging.
It is usually used in sentences like, 'This is his book.'
'His' is distinct from 'he,' which is a subject pronoun.

Usage in Literature

The use of 'his' in poetry often adds a personal touch, showing intimacy with the subject.
Many classic stories, like those by Shakespeare, frequently utilize 'his' to establish character connections.
'His' appears in countless literary works to reflect themes of identity and belonging.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, possessive pronouns, including 'his,' signify the importance of ownership in relationships.
The concept of 'his' can reflect societal roles, often linking to traditional views of masculinity and authority.
In modern discussions of gender, pronouns like 'his' are part of larger conversations about identity and inclusivity.

Psychology of Language

The way possessive pronouns are used can indicate a person's sense of identity and connection to what they own.
Studies show that children first learn possessive pronouns like 'his' at a young age, helping them form social bonds.
Language development research suggests that understanding ownership terms is key to cognitive growth.

Origin of 'his'

Main points about word origin

'His' comes from the Old English word 'his,' which also meant belonging to him.
The term has roots in Germanic languages, where similar forms indicated possession.
It has been used in the English language since around the 12th century.

The word 'his' originated from the Old English word 'his', which meant 'belonging to him'. Over time, it evolved into its current usage as a pronoun indicating possession. In slang, 'his' can also be used to refer to a male person in a humorous or mocking way. The word has been commonly used in English language for centuries.