Langimage
English

they

|they|

A1

/ðeɪ/

referring to people

Etymology
Etymology Information

'they' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'þeir,' where 'þeir' meant 'they.'

Historical Evolution

'þeir' changed from Old Norse word 'þeir' and eventually became the modern English word 'they'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'those people,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'they' as a pronoun for people or things.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Pronoun 1

used to refer to two or more people or things previously mentioned or easily identified.

They went to the store together.

Synonyms

Pronoun 2

used to refer to a person of unspecified gender.

If anyone calls, tell them they can reach me on my cell.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35