this
this · determiner
Definitions
determiner
- 1.
(determiner/pronoun) Used to identify a specific person or thing close at hand or being indicated.
- 2.
(pronoun) Used to introduce someone or something.
- 3.
(determiner) Referring to a period of time just past or about to begin.
- 4.
(adverb) To the degree indicated.
- 5.
Used in storytelling to create immediacy.
Forms
plural: these
Related words
Etymology
From Old English "this," the masculine and neuter nominative/accusative singular of the demonstrative pronoun, from Proto-Germanic "*that-." The demonstrative system distinguishing "this" (near) from "that" (far) has been fundamental to English throughout its history.