His

Definition

His is a pronoun and determiner. As a pronoun, it refers to something belonging to or associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified. As a determiner, it precedes a noun to denote possession or association with a male.

Parts of Speech

• Pronoun
• Determiner

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /hɪz/
• Respelling: HIZ

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /hɪz/
• Respelling: HIZ

Etymology

The word "his" originates from Old English "his," a genitive form of "he," derived from Proto-Germanic "*hes" and Proto-Indo-European "*ki-" meaning "this" or "he."

Derivatives

• Himself (pronoun)
• His'n (dialectal, informal)
• Hisher (blended form, informal)
• Him (pronoun)
• Hissy (slang, rare)

Synonyms

• Belonging to him
• Owned by him
• None

Antonyms

• Hers
• Theirs
• None

Usage

The pronoun "his" is widely used to indicate possession or association with a male subject, as in "That is his book." As a determiner, it modifies nouns, such as in "His car is parked outside."

Related Terms

• He: A third-person singular pronoun referring to a male.
• Him: The objective form of "he."
• Hers: The possessive form referring to a female.

Detailed Definitions

Pronoun

• Belonging to or associated with a previously mentioned male: Refers to something owned or associated with a male subject.
  • Example: "The jacket is his."

Determiner

• Denoting possession by a male: Used before a noun to show ownership or association.
  • Example: "His house is on the corner."