Definition of this
these
play \ˈthēz\1a (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 yesterdayb : this time or place expected to return before this
2a : the one nearer or more immediately under observation or discussion this is iron and that is tinb : the one more recently referred to
From the M-W Editors
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
this
Definition of this
these
1a : 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 morningb : constituting the immediately following part of the present discoursec : constituting the immediate past or future friends all these yearsd : 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
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
Definition of this
: to the degree or extent indicated by something in the immediate context or situation didn't expect to wait this long
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.
First Known Use of this
15th century
THIS Defined for English Language Learners
this
playDefinition 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
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
playDefinition 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
Definition of this for Students
these
\ˈthēz\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.
Definition of this for Students
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?
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.
Learn More about this
-
See words that rhyme with this Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for this Spanish Central: Translation of this Nglish: Translation of this for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of this for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up this? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!