this

/dhis/, pron. and adj., pl. these /dheez/; adv.

pron.

1. (used to indicate a person, thing, idea, state, event, time, remark, etc., as present, near, just mentioned or pointed out, supposed to be understood, or by way of emphasis): This is my coat.

2. (used to indicate one of two or more persons, things, etc., referring to the one nearer in place, time, or thought; opposed to that): This is Liza and that is Amy.

3. (used to indicate one of two or more persons, things, etc., implying a contrast or contradistinction; opposed to that): I'd take that instead of this.

4. what is about to follow: Now hear this! Watch this!

5. with this, following this; hereupon: With this, he threw down his glass and left the table.

adj.

6. (used to indicate a person, place, thing, or degree as present, near, just indicated or mentioned, or as well-known or characteristic): These people are my friends. This problem has worried me for a long time.

7. (used to indicate the nearer in time, place, or thought of two persons, things, etc.; opposed to that).

8. (used to imply mere contradistinction; opposed to that).

9. (used in place of an indefinite article for emphasis): I was walking down the street when I heard this explosion.

adv.

10. (used with adjectives and adverbs of quantity or extent) to the extent or degree indicated: this far; this softly.

[bef. 900; (pronoun and adj.) ME; OE: nom. and acc. neut. sing. of the demonstrative pronoun thes (masc.), theos (fem.); c. G dies, ON thissi; (adv.) ME, special use of the OE instrumental sing. thys, this, acc. sing. neut. this, perh. by association with THUS]

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