Things: meaning, definitions and examples

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things

[θɪŋz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

various objects or belongings

Things refer to objects, belongings, or possessions that can be physical or abstract. It can also refer to a particular matter or situation.

Synonyms

belongings, items, possessions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
things	Used when referring to general objects or matters, often in an informal or neutral context. Could you please pass me my things from the table? We've got so many things to do before the trip.
items	Used when referring to individual objects, often in a list or inventory. Suitable for both formal and informal situations. There are several items on the agenda that we need to discuss. Remember to pick up the items on the shopping list.
belongings	Used when referring to personal possessions, often in the context of moving or traveling. She packed all her belongings and moved to a new city. Please ensure that you have all your belongings before leaving the bus.
possessions	Used when referring to things that one owns, often implying value or emotional attachment. Can be used in both positive and negative contexts. His most valued possessions were his grandfather's watch and a vintage guitar. After the fire, she had nothing left but a few small possessions.

Examples of usage

I need to pack my things before we leave.
Can you grab a few things from the store?
She has a lot of things on her mind right now.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

something unspecified or not easily described

Things can also be used to refer to something unspecified or not easily described. It can be used when the exact nature of something is unclear or irrelevant.

Synonyms

issue, matter, something.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
things	Used to refer to objects, tasks, or situations in a general sense. It's a very broad term that can be used in everyday casual conversation. Can you grab those things from the table? I have a few things to do before dinner.
something	Used to refer to an unspecified or unknown item or detail. Commonly used in casual conversations when the specifics are not important or not known. I need something to eat. There's something strange about his behavior today.
matter	Often used to discuss topics that require attention, importance, or concern. Can be used in formal and informal situations when the focus is on significance. It's a personal matter, I rather not discuss it. The new policy is a serious matter for all of us.
issue	Refers to a point of discussion, problem, or concern. Suitable for formal and informal contexts when addressing problems or topics that need attention. We need to address this issue in our next meeting. There's an issue with the website loading correctly.

Examples of usage

There's something about him that I can't quite put my finger on.
I feel like things are going to change soon.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

events or occurrences

Things can also refer to events, happenings, or occurrences. It is often used informally to talk about what is going on or what has happened.

Synonyms

events, happenings, occurrences.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
things	Used to refer generally to objects, situations, or matters without specifying. It is very versatile and can be used in both casual and formal settings. I need to grab a few things from the store. There are a lot of things to do before the meeting.
events	Refers to significant happenings or activities often planned or scheduled, such as social gatherings, conferences, or occurrences of particular importance. We are organizing a charity event next week. The concert was the best event I've been to this year.
occurrences	Describes incidents or events, often unexpected or routine, without emphasis on planning or significance. It can sometimes have a formal or neutral tone. Such occurrences are rare in this part of the country. The sudden occurrence of the storm caught everyone off guard.
happenings	Usually describes interesting or unusual events, often with a connotation of excitement or novelty. It can sometimes carry an informal or slightly whimsical tone. The parade was one of the most colorful happenings in the city. Did you hear about the strange happenings at the old mansion?

Examples of usage

How are things going at work?
Things took a turn for the worse.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originally comes from the Old English 'þing' meaning a meeting or assembly, highlighting its roots in social interaction.
In medieval times, 'things' were often used to refer to matters or issues discussed in legal settings.

Philosophy

In philosophy, 'things' often relate to the concept of existence and reality, questioning what it means for something to be a 'thing'.
Phenomenology, a philosophical movement, examines how we perceive 'things' and how they exist in our consciousness.

Pop Culture

'Things' appears in various popular media, such as the phrase 'Stranger Things,' which explores otherworldly occurrences.
The broadness of 'things' allows it to be a favorite word in casual conversation, often used in lyrics, movies, and everyday chatter.

Psychology

Everything can evoke different emotions; simple objects, or 'things', can trigger memories or feelings associated with past experiences.
Cognitive psychology studies how we categorize and give meaning to our physical world, often grouping items as 'things'.

Linguistics

As a pronoun of inanimate objects, 'things' plays a crucial role in everyday language by allowing us to refer to multiple indefinite items.
The flexibility of 'things' in English allows it to serve various functions in sentences, adapting to different contexts.

Translations

Translations of the word "things" in other languages:

🇵🇹 coisas

🇮🇳 चीजें

🇩🇪 Dinge

🇮🇩 benda-benda

🇺🇦 речі

🇵🇱 rzeczy

🇯🇵 物

🇫🇷 choses

🇪🇸 cosas

🇹🇷 şeyler

🇰🇷 물건

🇸🇦 أشياء

🇨🇿 věci

🇸🇰 veci

🇨🇳 东西

🇸🇮 stvari

🇮🇸 hlutir

🇰🇿 заттар

🇬🇪 ნივთები

🇦🇿 şeylər

🇲🇽 cosas

Word Frequency Rank

With position #238, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

...
235 away
236 result
237 become
238 things
239 company
240 provided
241 family
...