They

Definition

The pronoun "they" denotes (1) a third-person plural pronoun used to refer to two or more persons or things previously mentioned or easily identified; and (2) a singular gender-neutral pronoun used to refer to a person whose gender is unknown, unspecified, or nonbinary.

Parts of Speech

• Pronoun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ðeɪ/
• Respelling: THAY

British English

• IPA: /ðeɪ/
• Respelling: THAY

Etymology

From Old Norse þeir “they” (masculine plural), originally from Proto-Germanic *þai. The form entered Middle English from Old English hīe / hēo (plural “they”). The singular “they” usage as gender-neutral emerged in the 14th century and has become common in modern usage.

Derivatives

• Them (pronoun)
• Their (possessive adjective)
• Theirs (possessive pronoun)
• Themselves (reflexive pronoun)

Synonyms

• Those (demonstrative pronoun, for plural usage)
• He or she (used in singular generic contexts)

Antonyms

• I (first-person pronoun)
• You (second-person pronoun)
• We (first-person plural pronoun)

Usage

"They" appears in both plural and singular contexts. Examples: "They went to the store after school" (plural); "Someone left their bag—maybe they will come back for it" (singular, gender-neutral).

Related Terms

• He: Third-person singular masculine pronoun.
• She: Third-person singular feminine pronoun.
• Them: Objective case of “they.”
• Their: Possessive adjective corresponding to “they.”
• Theirs: Possessive pronoun corresponding to “they.”

Detailed Definitions

Pronoun

• Third-person plural pronoun: Refers to more than one person or thing previously mentioned or easily identified.
  • Example: "The students finished their assignments; now they can relax."
• Singular gender-neutral pronoun: Used to refer to a person whose gender is unknown, unspecified, or nonbinary.
  • Example: "If someone calls, ask if they will call back; I don’t know who they are."