What does "that" mean?
Something being indicated that is there; one of those.
That
/ðət/ adv, conj, det, noun, pron, slang
adv, conj, det, noun, pron, slang ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Something being indicated that is there; one of those.
- Grammar: that is listed as adv, conj, det, noun, pron, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: academic mentor, afisr, another, arere.
- Useful contrasts: a lie, mildly, slightly.
- Usage evidence: I can't live that kind of life.
How to use "that"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "that" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "that" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "that" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "that" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "that" is acting as adv, conj, det, noun, pron, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "academic mentor" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "that", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Something being indicated that is there; one of those.
"As such, they do not have the ontological weight of "Being" and "Not-being," but serve simply as an explanatory vocabulary necessary to describe our world of thises and thats."
Adverb
- 1 To a given extent or degree.; Denoting an equal degree. not-comparable
"Here's the measurement – the ribbon must be that long, no longer and no shorter."
- 2 To a given extent or degree.; Denoting 'as much', 'no less'. not-comparable
"She said we waited for three hours, but I'm sure it wasn't that long."
- 3 To a great extent or degree; very, particularly. not-comparable
"I was seen quite quickly — I didn't have to wait that long."
- 4 To such an extent; so. Australia, British, informal, not-comparable
"Ooh, I was that happy I nearly kissed her."
Conjunction
- 1 Introducing a clause that is the object of a verb, especially a reporting verb or verb expressing belief, knowledge, perception, etc.
"He told me that the book is a good read."
- 2 Introducing a clause that is the subject of a verb, especially the 'be' verb or a verb expressing judgement, opinion, etc.; As delayed subject.
"It is almost certain that she will come."
- 3 Introducing a clause that is the subject of a verb, especially the 'be' verb or a verb expressing judgement, opinion, etc.; As direct subject. literary
"That she will come is almost certain."
- 4 Introducing a clause that complements an adjective or passive participle.
"I'm sure that you are right."
- 5 Introducing a clause that complements an adjective or passive participle.; Expressing a reason or cause: because, in that.
"Be glad that you have enough to eat."
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 Introducing a subordinate clause modifying an adverb.
"Was John there? — Not that I saw."
- 7 Introducing a clause that describes the information content of a preceding reporting noun.
"I heard a rumour that they got married."
- 8 Introducing — especially, but not exclusively, with an antecedent like so or such — a subordinate clause expressing a result, consequence, or effect.
"The noise was so loud that she woke up."
- 9 Introducing a subordinate clause that expresses an aim, purpose, or goal ("final"), and usually contains the auxiliaries may, might, or should: so, so that, in order that. dated
"He fought that others might have peace."
- 10 Introducing a premise or supposition for consideration: seeing as; inasmuch as; given that; as would appear from the fact that. archaic, poetic
"What are you mad, that you doe reaſon ſo?"
- 11 Introducing an exclamation expressing a desire or wish. archaic, poetic
"Oh that spring would come!"
- 12 Introducing an exclamation expressing a strong emotion such as sadness or surprise. archaic, poetic
"That men should behave in such a way!"
Determiner
- 1 The (thing, person, idea, etc) indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote physically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction. demonstrative
"That book is a good read. This one isn't."
Pronoun
- 1 The thing, person, idea, quality, event, action, or time indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote geographically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction. demonstrative
"That's my car over there."
- 2 The thing, person, idea, quality, event, action, or time indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote geographically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction.; Used to refer to a noun phrase or statement just made. demonstrative
"They're getting divorced. What do you think about that?"
- 3 The thing, person, idea, quality, event, action, or time indicated or understood from context, especially if more remote geographically, temporally or mentally than one designated as "this", or if expressing distinction.; Used to emphatically affirm or deny a previous statement or question. demonstrative
"The water is so cold! — That it is."
- 4 In a relative clause, referring to a previously mentioned noun, as subject, direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition; which, who. relative
"I didn't see the car that hit me."
- 5 Used in place of relative adverbs such as where or when; often omitted. colloquial, relative
"the place that [= where or to which] I went last year"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"I can't live that kind of life."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "that"?
Common synonyms include: academic mentor, afisr, another, arere, arm instruction set, azt.
How do you use "that" in a sentence?
I can't live that kind of life.
How do you pronounce "that"?
Pronounced /ðət/.
Etymology
From Middle English that, from Old English þæt (“the, that”, neuter definite article and relative pronoun), from Proto-West Germanic *þat, from Proto-Germanic *þat. Cognate to Scots that, Saterland Frisian dät, West Frisian dat, Dutch dat, Low German dat and datt, German dass and das, Danish det, Swedish det, Icelandic það, Gothic 𐌸𐌰𐍄𐌰 (þata). Further from Proto-Indo-European *tód; compare Ancient Greek τό (tó), Sanskrit तद् (tád), Waigali ta, Lithuanian tai̇̃, Polish to.