Their Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
their
[รฐษr ]
Definitions
possessive pronoun
Used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a group of people or things previously mentioned.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| their |
Used when referring to something owned or associated with people in general or a group when the gender is not specified. It is also used for gender-neutral singular pronouns.
|
| his/her |
Used to refer to something owned or associated with a specific person when the gender is known. This keeps the sentence gender-inclusive.
|
| its |
Used for inanimate objects, animals, or things whose gender is not specified. It shows possession or association with something non-human.
|
| one's |
Used when referring to something that belongs to a person or is associated with a person, but not referring to any specific individual. It is more formal and less common in everyday speech.
|
Examples of usage
- The team won their first game of the season.
- The students were proud of their achievement.
singular pronoun
Used to refer to a person, animal, or thing that has already been mentioned or is easily identified.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| their |
Can also be used in singular form to refer to a person when the gender is unknown or irrelevant; considered more gender-neutral.
|
| his/her |
Used when the gender of the person is not specified or when referring to a single person but being inclusive of both males and females.
|
| its |
Used to refer to something that belongs to or is related to a singular non-human entity or an inanimate object.
|
| one's |
Used when the subject is an indefinite person, often seen in more formal or general statements.
|
Examples of usage
- The cat was licking its paws. Their owner must be nearby.
- Who left their umbrella on the bus?
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Grammar
- 'Their' is a possessive pronoun, used to indicate ownership or relation.
- It is often confused with 'there' (a place) and 'they're' (a contraction of they are), highlighting the importance of context.
- In formal writing, 'their' can be used as a singular pronoun to avoid gender specification, representing a non-binary identity.
Cultural Significance
- The usage of 'their' as a singular pronoun has sparked discussions about inclusivity and language evolution in modern society.
- In popular culture, 'their' features prominently in song lyrics and poetry, reflecting diverse perspectives and identities.
- Social media and the rise of gender-neutral language have helped popularize the use of 'their' in everyday conversation.
Literature
- Classic literature often employed binary gender terms, but modern authors are increasingly using 'their' to represent characters of various identities.
- In narratives that explore themes of identity and belonging, 'their' can help express complex relationships and personal histories.
- Poets like Derek Walcott and Audre Lorde use possessive forms, including 'their,' to reflect themes of community and collective experience.
Psychology
- Language choices, such as using 'their,' can impact social perceptions and the feeling of belonging among diverse groups.
- Cognitive linguistics suggests that pronouns play a significant role in shaping our conceptual understanding of relationships.
- Research shows that inclusive language, including terms like 'their,' promotes acceptance and reduces anxiety in diverse environments.
Origin of 'their'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'their' comes from the Old English word 'รพeirra,' which means 'of them.'
- It has evolved over centuries, with its first recorded use dating back to the 13th century.
- Before 'their' was popular, English speakers often used the term 'his' for both genders, which led to confusion.
The word 'their' originated from Old Norse and Old English, and it has been used in the English language for centuries. The possessive form of 'they', 'their' has evolved over time to become a widely accepted pronoun for indicating possession or association. Its usage has become more inclusive and gender-neutral, reflecting the changing linguistic landscape of modern English.
See also: theirs.