this

Meanings

1. 1
   det

   The (thing) here (used in indicating something or someone nearby).

   This classroom is where I learned to read and write.

2. 2
   det

   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.

3. 3
   det

   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: “[…]”

4. 4
   det

   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 ...".

   I met this woman the other day who's allergic to wheat. I didn't even know that was possible!

5. 5
   det

   Designates the current or next instance.

   It's cold this morning.

6. 6
   adv

   To the degree or extent indicated.

   I need this much water.

7. 7
   pron

   The thing, item, etc. being indicated.

   This isn't the item that I ordered.

8. 8
   noun

   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.

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”).