this
thihs
This (det) means used to point to something or someone nearby or just mentioned. Example: “This book belongs to my sister.”
det
1
Used to point to something or someone nearby or just mentioned.
"This book belongs to my sister."
"This is the house we grew up in."
"I love this song, so can you turn it up?"
pron
1
The person or thing being pointed out or referred to.
"This is exactly what I was looking for."
"Is this your umbrella, or does it belong to someone else?"
"Look at this! I have never seen such a big spider."
How to use this
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPoints to something close by, or something already being talked about.
Common mistake
Use "this" for something near or currently in focus, and "that" for something farther away or previously mentioned.
Easily confused with
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like this.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- these, thises
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ book belongs to my sister.
Etymology
From Old English þis, an ancient Germanic demonstrative — the "near" counterpart to "that".
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for this
See all rhymes for this →Frequently asked questions
What does “this” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “this”?
“This” is pronounced thihs (/ðɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “this” in a sentence?
Here is “this” used in a sentence: “This book belongs to my sister.”
What part of speech is “this”?
Depending on how it is used, “this” can be a det and a pronoun.
Where does the word “this” come from?
The word “this” comes from Old English. From Old English þis, an ancient Germanic demonstrative — the "near" counterpart to "that".
Is “this” a common word?
“This” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “this” have?
“This” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to point to something or someone nearby or just mentioned.
When should you use "this" instead of "that"?
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.
What is the difference between "this" and "these"?
"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."
Is it bad style to start a sentence with "This" on its own?
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.
Can "this" refer to a person?
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include this:
