What does "this" mean?
Something being indicated that is here; one of these.
This
/ðɪs/ adv, det, intj, name, noun, pron, slang
adv, det, intj, name, noun, pron, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Something being indicated that is here; one of these.
- Grammar: this is listed as adv, det, intj, name, noun, pron, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: academic mentor, afisr, arere, arm instruction set.
- Useful contrasts: dat, that, that case.
- Usage evidence: Education in this world disappoints me.
How to use "this"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "this" 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 "this" 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 "this" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "this" 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 "this" is acting as adv, det, intj, name, 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 "this", 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 here; one of these.
"Terms like 'house', 'sphere', 'animal', and 'human' do not refer to other thises distinct from these ones here — they refer to the sort of thing these ones here are."
Adverb
- 1 To the degree or extent indicated. not-comparable
"I need this much water."
Determiner
- 1 The (thing) here (used in indicating something or someone nearby).
"This classroom is where I learned to read and write."
- 2 The (thing) here (used in indicating something or someone nearby).; Referring to oneself. colloquial
"Hey, you know what's got two thumbs and really likes brownies? This guy!"
- 3 The known (thing) (used in indicating something or someone just mentioned).
"They give the appearance of knowing what they're doing. It's this appearance that lets them get away with so much."
- 4 The known (thing) (used in indicating something or someone about to be mentioned).
"When asked what he wanted for his birthday, he gave this reply: “[…]”"
- 5 A known (thing) (used in first mentioning a person or thing that the speaker does not think is known to the audience). Compare with "a certain ...". informal
"I met this woman the other day who's allergic to wheat. I didn't even know that was possible!"
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Designates the current or next instance.
"It's cold this morning."
Pronoun
- 1 The thing, item, etc. being indicated.
"This isn't the item that I ordered."
Intj
- 1 Indicates the speaker's strong approval or agreement with the previous material. Internet
"― I wish trolls could be banned from the forum immediately, without any discussion. ― This!"
Proper Noun
- 1 plural of Thi form-of, plural
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Education in this world disappoints me."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "this"?
Common synonyms include: academic mentor, afisr, arere, arm instruction set, blatz, buna.
How do you use "this" in a sentence?
Education in this world disappoints me.
How do you pronounce "this"?
Pronounced /ðɪs/.
Etymology
From Middle English this, from Old English þis (neuter demonstrative), from North Sea Germanic base *þa- "that", from Proto-Germanic *þat, from Proto-Indo-European *tód, extended form of demonstrative base *to-; + North-West Germanic definitive suffix -s, from Proto-Indo-European *só (“this, that”). Cognate with Scots this (“this”), Saterland Frisian dusse (“this”), West Frisian dizze (“this”), German dies, dieses (“this”), Old Gutnish þissi (“this”).