this

pronoun \ ˈt͟his , t͟həs \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of this

plural these play \ˈt͟hēz\

1 a (1) : the person, thing, or idea that is present or near in place, time, or thought or that has just been mentioned

these are my hands

(2) : what is stated in the following phrase, clause, or discourse

I can only say this: it wasn't here yesterday

b : this time or place

expected to return before this

2 a : the one nearer or more immediately under observation or discussion

this is iron and that is tin

b : the one more recently referred to

See this defined for English-language learners

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Examples of this in a Sentence

This is my favorite T-shirt.
Anything would be better than this.
“What's this right here?” “It's a very rare gold coin.”
Would you take a look at this, please?
All of this is mine.
This is the most fun I've had in years!
“It will be difficult.” “This is true.”
What is the meaning of this?
This is silver and that is gold.
This is my jacket and that's yours.

Origin and Etymology of this

Middle English, pronoun & adjective, from Old English thes (masculine), this (neuter); akin to Old High German dese this, Old English thæt that

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First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

See Words from the same year

this

adjective

Definition of this

plural these

1 a : being the person, thing, or idea that is present or near in place, time, or thought or that has just been mentioned

this book is mine

early this morning

b : constituting the immediately following part of the present discourse

c : constituting the immediate past or future

friends all these years

d : being one not previously mentioned —used especially in narrative to give a sense of immediacy or vividness

then this guy runs in

had this urge to go shopping

2 : being the nearer at hand or more immediately under observation or discussion

this car or that one

See this defined for English-language learners

Examples of this in a Sentence

some of the best restaurants are on this side of town

First Known Use of this

before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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this Synonyms

this

adverb \ ˈt͟his \

Definition of this

: to the degree or extent indicated by something in the immediate context or situation

didn't expect to wait this long

See this defined for English-language learners

Examples of this in a Sentence

We've waited this long for the pizza, we might as well stay until it's ready.
I need a nail about this long.

Recent Examples of this from the Web

That said, and please, don't spread this around, the rest of the video is pretty much taken directly from daily life.

— lizzy acker, OregonLive.com, "Exposing the lies in Travel Oregon's new 'only slightly exaggerated' animated video," 13 Mar. 2018
Life expectancy is not supposed to fall in countries that are this rich, spend this much on health and pride themselves on taking care of each other.

— david bishai, Philly.com, "U.S. life expectancy just dropped for the second year in a row. Let's stop the trend now," 22 Feb. 2018
Life expectancy is not supposed to fall in countries that are this rich, spend this much on health and pride themselves on taking care of each other.

— david bishai, Philly.com, "U.S. life expectancy just dropped for the second year in a row. Let's stop the trend now," 22 Feb. 2018
If the Cavs can’t turn this around, all bets are off.

— sam amick, USA TODAY, "Roll With the Winners: Will losses to Lakers, Clippers impact LeBron James' future?," 12 Mar. 2018
While Post readers mull this over, the paper returns to the central theme: The turnout from the left in Texas follows a string of races around the country where Democrats have shown new enthusiasm for voting in nonpresidential years.

— james freeman, WSJ, "Wave Jumpers," 7 Mar. 2018
Life expectancy is not supposed to fall in countries that are this rich, spend this much on health and pride themselves on taking care of each other.

— david bishai, Philly.com, "U.S. life expectancy just dropped for the second year in a row. Let's stop the trend now," 22 Feb. 2018
Life expectancy is not supposed to fall in countries that are this rich, spend this much on health and pride themselves on taking care of each other.

— david bishai, Philly.com, "U.S. life expectancy just dropped for the second year in a row. Let's stop the trend now," 22 Feb. 2018
As Post notes, no one frets this much over a handshake.

— the washington post, OregonLive.com, "Is the era of hugging over? Some people sure hope so," 11 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'this.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of this

15th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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THIS Defined for English Language Learners

this

pronoun

Definition of this for English Language Learners

: the person, thing, or idea that is present or near in place, time, or thought or that has just been mentioned
: the thing that is closest to you or that is being shown to you
: the present time

this

adjective

Definition of this for English Language Learners

—used to indicate the person, thing, or idea that is present or near in place, time, or thought or that has just been mentioned
—used to indicate the thing that is closest to you or that is being shown to you
—used to indicate the present period of time or a period of time that is near the present time

this

adverb

Definition of this for English Language Learners

: to the degree or extent that is suggested in the present situation
: to the degree or extent indicated by a gesture

THIS Defined for Kids

this

pronoun \ ˈt͟his \

Definition of this for Students

plural these \ˈt͟hēz\

1 : the one nearer

I believe this is your book and that is mine.

2 : the person, thing, or idea that is present or near in place, time, or thought or that has just been mentioned

This is where it happened.

This is your last chance.

this

adjective

Definition of this for Students

plural these

1 : being the one present, near in place, time, or thought or that has just been mentioned

this morning

We've been friends all these years.

2 : being the one nearer

Are you reading this book or that one?

this

adverb \ ˈt͟his \

Definition of this for Students

1 : to the degree suggested by something in the present situation

I didn't expect to wait this long.

2 : to the extent shown (as with the hands)

I need a nail this long.

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