that — used to identify a specific person or thing observed or heard by the speaker
Part of speech: PRONOUN
Definition: used to identify a specific person or thing observed or heard by the speaker
Pronunciation (IPA): /ðæt/
Example Sentences
- That pizza looks so good that I'm drooling like a puppy!
- I believe that my cat is secretly plotting world domination.
- That movie was so boring that even my phone fell asleep.
that
PRONOUN[/ðæt/]
used to identify a specific person or thing observed or heard by the speaker
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Old English 'þæt', this word traces back to the Proto-Germanic demonstrative pronoun, serving as a definite article and relative pronoun. It has remained remarkably stable throughout English history, representing one of the most ancient and foundational elements of the language.
Breakdown
The Old English form 'þæt' evolved into Modern English 'that' through regular sound changes; the initial 'þ' (thorn) was gradually replaced by 'th' in Middle English orthography. The word functions as a demonstrative determiner or pronoun with no internal morphological breakdown, being a simple lexeme rather than a compound.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“That pizza looks so good that I'm drooling like a puppy!”
“I believe that my cat is secretly plotting world domination.”
“That movie was so boring that even my phone fell asleep.”
“That was the best presentation I've ever seen.”
📚Related Words
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