this

The word “this” means used to point to something or someone nearby or just mentioned. In plain terms, points to something close by, or something already being talked about.

“This” is pronounced thihs (/ðɪs/ in IPA).

Here is “this” used in a sentence: “This book belongs to my sister.”

Depending on how it is used, “this” can be a det and a pronoun.

The word “this” comes from Old English. From Old English þis, an ancient Germanic demonstrative — the "near" counterpart to "that".

“This” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“This” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to point to something or someone nearby or just mentioned.

Use "this" for things near you in space, time, or attention ("this chair here", "this week") and "that" for things farther away ("that building across the street", "that summer"). "This" also introduces what is about to be said, while "that" typically refers back to something already said.

"This" is singular and "these" is plural: "this book" but "these books." The same pairing applies when they stand alone as pronouns: "This is mine; these are yours."

It can be, when readers cannot tell what "this" refers to after a long or complex previous sentence. Editors often recommend adding a noun — "this delay", "this decision", "this approach" — so the reference is unambiguous.

Yes, in introductions and identification: "This is my sister, Ana", or on the phone, "Who is this?" Outside those settings, referring to a person as "this" rather than by name or a personal pronoun sounds rude or dismissive.