He

Definition

He is a pronoun used to refer to a male individual, typically in the third person singular. It is also used generically in some contexts to refer to a person of unspecified gender, although this usage has become less common.

Parts of Speech

• Pronoun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /hiː/
• Respelling: hee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /hiː/
• Respelling: hee

Etymology

The word "he" originates from Old English "hē," which has Proto-Germanic roots in "*hiz" or "*hē." It is related to other Germanic languages, such as Old High German "hē" and Gothic "is," all meaning "he."

Derivatives

• Him (pronoun)
• His (possessive pronoun)
• Himself (reflexive pronoun)
• He-man (noun, informal)
• Heir (noun, related etymologically)

Synonyms

• Male
• Man
• None

Antonyms

• She
• Her
• None

Usage

The term "he" is used to refer to a male individual or, historically, generically to refer to a person. For example, "He is going to the store," or "Each student must bring his own book."

Related Terms

• She: The feminine equivalent of "he."
• They: A gender-neutral alternative to "he" or "she."
• Pronoun: A word that substitutes for a noun.

Detailed Definitions

Pronoun

• Used to refer to a male individual: Refers to a person identified as male.
  • Example: "He is my brother."
• Used generically (historical or formal): Refers to an unspecified individual, regardless of gender.
  • Example: "If anyone has a question, he should ask."