This: meaning, definitions and examples

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this

[ðɪs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Pronoun}

in general

used to identify a specific person or thing close at hand or being indicated or experienced.

Synonyms

it, that, this one.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
this	Used to refer to something close in space or time, or something just mentioned. This is my favorite book. Look at this photo.
this one	Used to specify one particular item or person from a group, emphasizing its selection among others. Do you want this one or that one? Of all the candies, I prefer this one.
that	Used to refer to something further away in space or time, or something previously mentioned. I like that dress over there. That was a very interesting story.
it	Used to refer to a thing previously mentioned or easily identified. Usually a neutral pronoun. It's raining outside. Where is my phone? It was here a minute ago.

Examples of usage

this is my house
look at this picture
I want this one

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

indicating that something is present or near

to the degree or extent indicated or understood; as much

Examples of usage

if you take this long, you'll be late
she was never this good before

Interesting Facts

Linguistic Structure

It's a demonstrative pronoun, used to indicate a specific item or concept that is near in time or space.
In English, 'this' is singular, while 'these' is its plural form, used for multiple items.
The word helps in differentiating objects; for example, saying 'this cat' versus 'that cat' to show the proximity.

Cultural Use

In many cultures, the concept of 'this' varies in importance; some languages have multiple forms to denote levels of closeness.
The word is used in various phrases and idioms, enhancing its presence in everyday conversation and literature.

Psychology of Language

'This' plays a crucial role in communication, helping speakers clarify their thoughts and ensuring understanding.
Research shows that demonstratives like 'this' can convey emotions and immediacy, influencing how listeners perceive a message.

Etymology

Originating from Old English 'þis', the word has evolved but retained its core meaning over centuries.
The term has Germanic roots, showing connections across various languages that share similar demonstrative forms.

Pop Culture

'This' has been used in numerous song lyrics, emphasizing what is important or immediate in the context of the song.
Famous quotes in movies and literature often use 'this' to heighten emotional appeal and emphasize key moments.

Translations

Translations of the word "this" in other languages:

🇵🇹 isto

🇮🇳 यह

🇩🇪 dies

🇮🇩 ini

🇺🇦 це

🇵🇱 to

🇯🇵 これ

🇫🇷 ce

cet
cette

🇪🇸 esto

🇹🇷 bu

🇰🇷 이것

🇸🇦 هذا

🇨🇿 toto

🇸🇰 to

🇨🇳 这

🇸🇮 to

🇮🇸 þetta

🇰🇿 бұл

🇬🇪 ეს

🇦🇿 bu

🇲🇽 esto

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #9, 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.

...
6 not
7 from
8 which
9 this
10 have
11 had
12 but
...