Whose

Definition

Whose is a pronoun and determiner used to indicate possession or association. It is often employed in questions or relative clauses to inquire about or refer to ownership or connection.

Parts of Speech

• Pronoun
• Determiner

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /huːz/
• Respelling: HOOZ

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /huːz/
• Respelling: HOOZ

Etymology

The word "whose" originates from Old English "hwæs," the genitive case of "hwā" (who) and "hwæt" (what), meaning "of whom" or "of which." It has been in use since the early Middle English period as a possessive form.

Derivatives

• Whosever (pronoun, archaic)
• None
• None
• None
• None

Synonyms

• Of whom
• Of which
• Belonging to whom

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The word "whose" is commonly used in questions to inquire about ownership, as in "Whose book is this?" It is also used in relative clauses to describe possession, as in "The person whose car was stolen reported it to the police."

Related Terms

• Who: A pronoun used to ask about a person.
• Whom: A pronoun used to refer to the object of a verb or preposition.
• What: A pronoun used to ask for information.

Detailed Definitions

Pronoun

• Used to ask about or indicate possession: Refers to the owner or possessor of something.
  • Example: "Whose are these shoes?"

Determiner

• Used to introduce a clause or phrase indicating possession: Refers to the relationship of belonging or association.
  • Example: "The woman whose house was painted is my neighbor."