Them: meaning, definitions and examples

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them

[ ðem ]

Pronoun / Noun

Oxford 3000

^{Context #1 | Pronoun}

referring to a group of people or things previously mentioned

Used to refer to two or more people or things previously mentioned or easily identified. It is typically used as the object of a verb or preposition.

Synonyms

the ones, these, those.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
them	Used to refer to specific people or things that have already been mentioned or are easily identified. I can't find my keys Have you seen them?
those	Best used to mention people or things that are farther away in space or time. Can you pass me those books on the top shelf?
these	Appropriate when referring to people or things that are close in space or time. I love these flowers that you bought for me!
the ones	Utilized to specify particular items or people among a group, often to distinguish them from others. Which cookies did you bake? The ones with chocolate chips

Examples of usage

John and Sarah went to the store. I saw them there.
The children are playing in the garden. I will join them later.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal way to refer to a person

Used informally to refer to a person, especially when the gender is unknown or unspecified.

Synonyms

individual, person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
them	Use when referring to a group of people or when the gender of a person is unknown or irrelevant. I asked them to finish the report by tomorrow. Can you pass this message to them?
person	A common word for referring to someone, often used in general contexts or daily conversations. I met a very interesting person at the conference. There was only one person in the room when I entered.
individual	Best used in formal or scientific contexts to emphasize one person or a singular entity, often highlighting their unique characteristics. This program is tailored to meet the needs of each individual. The study focuses on the effects of the treatment on the individual.

Word

Description / Examples

them

Use when referring to a group of people or when the gender of a person is unknown or irrelevant.

I asked them to finish the report by tomorrow.
Can you pass this message to them?

person

A common word for referring to someone, often used in general contexts or daily conversations.

I met a very interesting person at the conference.
There was only one person in the room when I entered.

individual

Best used in formal or scientific contexts to emphasize one person or a singular entity, often highlighting their unique characteristics.

This program is tailored to meet the needs of each individual.
The study focuses on the effects of the treatment on the individual.

Examples of usage

Someone left their umbrella here. I wonder who they are.
I need to talk to them about the project.

Translations

Translations of the word "them" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eles

🇮🇳 वे

🇩🇪 sie

🇮🇩 mereka

🇺🇦 вони

🇵🇱 ich

🇯🇵 彼ら

彼女ら (かれら
かのじょら)

🇫🇷 eux

🇪🇸 ellos

🇹🇷 onlar

🇰🇷 그들 (geudeul)

🇸🇦 هم

🇨🇿 oni

🇸🇰 oni

🇨🇳 他们 (tāmen)

🇸🇮 oni

🇮🇸 þeir

🇰🇿 олар

🇬🇪 ისინი

🇦🇿 onlar

🇲🇽 ellos

Etymology

The word 'them' originated from Old Norse 'þeim', which further evolved into Middle English 'theim' and eventually became 'them' in modern English. It has been used as a pronoun and noun in English for centuries, providing a simple yet effective way to refer to previously mentioned or easily identified groups of people or things.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #33, this is one of the most fundamental words in English. It's absolutely essential to master this word as it forms the backbone of English communication and appears in almost every conversation or text.

...
30 time
31 there
32 when
33 them
34 into
35 these
36 out
...