Their

Definition

Their is a possessive determiner used to indicate that something belongs to or is associated with the people, animals, or things previously mentioned or easily identified.

Parts of Speech

• Determiner

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ðɛr/
• Respelling: THAIR

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ðɛə/
• Respelling: THAIR

Etymology

The word "their" originates from Middle English "their(e)," derived from Old Norse "þeirra," the genitive form of "þeir," meaning "they." It replaced the Old English "hira" during the Middle Ages.

Derivatives

• Theirs (pronoun)
• Themself (reflexive pronoun)
• They (pronoun)
• Them (pronoun)
• Theirself (pronoun, nonstandard)

Synonyms

• None

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The determiner "their" is used to indicate possession or association. For example, "This is their house" specifies that the house belongs to a group of people.

Related Terms

• They: A pronoun referring to a group of people or objects.
• Them: The objective case of "they."
• Theirs: A pronoun indicating possession.

Detailed Definitions

Determiner

• Used to indicate possession or association: Refers to something belonging to the subject or subjects previously mentioned.
  • Example: "The students finished their homework."
• Used with singular antecedents for gender-neutral reference: Indicates possession without specifying gender.
  • Example: "Each student should bring their own book."