this
this
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "this" is /ðɪs/.
this:
/ðɪs/ - The entire word is a single syllable.
Word Form Variations
"This" is a demonstrative pronoun and demonstrative adjective. It does not have typical singular/plural variations in the same way a noun does. However, its "plural" equivalent is "these."
Singular (referring to something near or just mentioned): this
Plural (referring to multiple things near or just mentioned): these
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
I. Determiner (Demonstrative Adjective)
Definition 1: Used to identify a specific person, animal, or thing that is near to the speaker, close in time, or has just been mentioned or is about to be mentioned.
Synonyms: current, present, particular
Antonyms: that (referring to something further away), those (plural of "that")
Definition 2: Used to indicate the current period of time, often to emphasize immediacy or relevance.
Synonyms: present, current, ongoing
Antonyms: past, future, previous
II. Pronoun (Demonstrative Pronoun)
Definition 1: Referring to a specific person, animal, or thing that is near to the speaker, close in time, or has just been mentioned or is about to be mentioned, without repeating the noun.
Synonyms: this one, the one here, the aforementioned
Antonyms: that (referring to something further away), those (plural of "that")
Definition 2: Referring to a statement, situation, or concept that has just been mentioned or is about to be discussed.
Synonyms: this point, this matter, the situation
Antonyms: (Context-dependent, often implied by contrast with other topics)
III. Adverb (Informal)
Definition 1: Used to indicate a degree or extent, often emphasizing how large, small, good, or bad something is. (Often accompanied by a gesture or an implied comparison.)
Synonyms: so, very, extremely, to this extent
Antonyms: not much, hardly, slightly
Examples of Use
Books:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, this was the winter of despair." (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, 1859)
"The point of this book is to show how much good can be done if we are thoughtful and persistent." (Bill Gates, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, February 2021)
Newspapers:
"Kenya's economy is showing signs of resilience this quarter, despite global headwinds." (The Standard)
"Local authorities are urging residents to take extra precautions during this rainy season." (Daily Nation)
Online Publications:
"Why this new AI model could revolutionize content creation." (TechCrunch)
"Understanding the implications of this recent ruling on data privacy is crucial for businesses." (Forbes.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television (News Broadcast): "We'll have more on this developing story after the break." (CNN)
Music (Song Lyric): "And all this time I've been searching for you." (From the song "This Time" by John Legend)
Film Dialogue: "We need to put an end to this madness." (The Dark Knight, July 2008)
Social Media (Tweet/Post): "Just finished reading this incredible book! Highly recommend. #bookworm" (X (formerly Twitter) post, July 2024)
Podcast: "In this episode, we delve into the history of artificial intelligence." (NPR's Throughline, May 2024)
General Public Discourse:
"Can you believe this weather?" (Common spoken phrase)
"I'm really excited about this new project at work." (Conversational use)
"Is this seat taken?" (Common query)
10 Quotes Using This
"This too shall pass." (Persian proverb, often attributed to Solomon)
"Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for this country." (John F. Kennedy, January 1961)
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today! This is our hope." (Martin Luther King Jr., August 1963)
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needful efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. And I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in this critical days." (Franklin D. Roosevelt, March 1933)
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This is true for both physical and spiritual journeys." (Lao Tzu)
"Elementary, my dear Watson. This is a simple case." (Arthur Conan Doyle, often attributed to Sherlock Holmes)
"To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep; To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub; For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause." (William Shakespeare, Hamlet)
"This is Spinal Tap." (Film title, 1984)
"This is the way." (The Mandalorian, from The Mandalorian)
"This above all: to thine own self be true." (William Shakespeare, Hamlet)
Etymology
The word "this" has a long history, going back to the very early days of the English language.
It comes from Old English (which was spoken before the 12th century), where it was þis. This þis was a neutral word for referring to something, and it had different forms for masculine (þes) and feminine (þeōs) words, but those other forms have since disappeared.
Tracing back even further, "this" comes from a North Sea Germanic root that meant "that." This root is also connected to the word "that" itself. It then combined with a special ending that helped point to a specific thing.
Essentially, "this" has always been about pointing to something specific that is close by, either physically, in time, or in your thoughts. Its very first known uses in English, dating back to before the 12th century, already carried this meaning of indicating something present or at hand.
Phrases + Idioms Containing This
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "this":
This and that: Various unspecified things; miscellaneous items or topics.
This much: To this extent or degree.
This very moment: Exactly right now.
This way: In this direction; by this method.
This side of the grave: While still alive.
Like this: In this manner; similar to this.
All this and more: A comprehensive or extensive list of things, often implying something desirable or impressive.
By this time: At or before the present moment, or by a specified future moment.
For this reason: Because of what has just been stated or is about to be stated.
In this day and age: Currently; in modern times.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of this from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
