that

Meanings

1. 1
   conj

   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. 2
   conj

   Introducing a clause that is the subject of a verb, especially the 'be' verb or a verb expressing judgement, opinion, etc.

   It is almost certain that she will come.

3. 3
   conj

   Introducing a clause that complements an adjective or passive participle.

   I'm sure that you are right.

4. 4
   conj

   Introducing a subordinate clause modifying an adverb.

   Was John there? — Not that I saw.

5. 5
   conj

   Introducing a clause that describes the information content of a preceding reporting noun.

   I heard a rumour that they got married.

6. 6
   conj

   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.

7. 7
   conj

   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.

   He fought that others might have peace.

8. 8
   conj

   Introducing a premise or supposition for consideration: seeing as; inasmuch as; given that; as would appear from the fact that.

   What are you mad, that you doe reaſon ſo?

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.