thing
thing
Pronunciation
IPA phonetic spelling: /θɪŋ/
thing
/θɪŋ/ (one syllable)
Word Form Variations
Singular noun: thing
Plural noun: things
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: An inanimate object or a material entity that is not alive and can be perceived by the senses.
Synonyms: object, item, article, entity
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it refers to a broad category. One could consider "being" or "person" if contrasting with animate entities.)
Definition 2: An idea, concept, or abstract matter; something that exists in thought but may not have a physical form.
Synonyms: concept, idea, notion, matter, issue, topic, subject
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Definition 3: An unspecified or unnamed item, circumstance, or action that the speaker cannot or chooses not to name explicitly. Often used informally.
Synonyms: something, whatnot, affair, business, situation
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Definition 4: A possession or personal belonging.
Synonyms: possession, belonging, effects, stuff (informal)
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Definition 5: An event, occurrence, or state of affairs.
Synonyms: event, occurrence, incident, affair, situation, development
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Examples of Use
Books: "The thing about being a writer is that you're always observing, even when you think you're not." (From a recent interview with a contemporary author, exact title not specified).
Newspapers: "Local officials are investigating a strange thing found near the old mill, though they decline to offer further details at this time." ( The Daily Gazette)
Online Publications: "5 Essential Things to Pack for Your European Vacation" ( Wanderlust Magazine Online)
Television (Scripted Drama): "You know, the hardest thing about this job isn't the long hours, it's the constant ethical dilemmas." (Dialogue from a popular legal drama)
Music (Song Lyrics): "And the funny thing is, I never thought I'd find true love right here at home." (Lyrics from a chart-topping pop song)
Podcasts: "The main thing we need to discuss today is the impact of AI on small businesses." (From a business and technology podcast)
Social Media (Public Discourse): "Just saw the most amazing thing happen at the park today! So heartwarming." (Twitter post)
General Public Discourse (Everyday Conversation): "Could you hand me that thing over there, please? The one next to the remote." (Heard in a casual conversation)
10 Quotes Using Thing
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
"Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest." (Mark Twain)
"Money isn't everything, but it's a long way ahead of what comes next." (Edmund Stockdale)
"Love is a many-splendored thing, love lifts us up where we belong, all you need is love." (Christian in Moulin Rouge!, adapted from the song "Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing")
"The best things in life are free. The second best things are very, very expensive." (Coco Chanel)
"Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught." (Oscar Wilde)
"Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know." (Ernest Hemingway)
"There's no such thing as a free lunch." (Attributed to Milton Friedman)
"The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do." (Kobe Bryant)
"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity." (Amelia Earhart)
Etymology
The word "thing" has a really old and interesting history! It comes from an Old English word, "þing" (pronounced similar to "thing" today).
Originally, "þing" didn't just mean an object like it often does now. Its first known meaning, going back to the earliest recorded English, was more about a gathering, an assembly, or a meeting. Imagine a group of people coming together to discuss something – that meeting itself was a "þing." From there, it evolved to mean the topic or matter being discussed at such a meeting, or even the cause or reason behind the meeting.
So, you can think of it like this: people would gather for a "thing" (a meeting), and at that "thing," they would talk about a "thing" (a specific issue or matter). Over time, this idea of a "matter" or "item" broadened to include almost any individual object, idea, or circumstance we can point to or think about today. It's a journey from a specific kind of assembly to a very general term for almost anything!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Thing
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "thing":
A big thing: Something of great importance.
The real thing: An authentic or genuine item; a true example.
A sure thing: Something that is certain to happen or succeed.
Do your own thing: To act independently without concern for others' opinions.
Have a thing for: To have a strong liking or preference for something or someone.
Make a thing of it: To overemphasize or make an unnecessary fuss about something.
One thing leads to another: A series of events or actions that are causally linked.
First thing in the morning: Very early in the morning; the first task of the day.
Know a thing or two: To have a good deal of knowledge or experience about something.
Among other things: In addition to other items or matters not specifically mentioned.
A thing of the past: Something that no longer exists or happens.
It's a thing: An established trend or common occurrence, often used informally.
Just one of those things: An unfortunate event that cannot be helped or explained.
To have a good thing going: To be in a favorable or successful situation.
No such thing as: Expressing that something does not exist or is not true.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of thing from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
