That is one of the most common words in English. It is used to point to a person, thing, idea, or situation that is farther away or already known in a conversation. For example, if you see a book across the room, you might say, “I want that book.”
Because it is simple and useful, people use this word every day in speaking and writing.
Learning synonyms and alternatives for that can help English learners, students, writers, and content creators improve their vocabulary.
It also helps make sentences more varied and natural. In this article, you will learn the meaning of that, its pronunciation, history, grammar, connotation, and 30 useful alternatives with meanings and examples. You will also explore semantic categories, antonyms, related words, and practical usage tips.
Meaning of That
Definition
That (Pronoun, Determiner, Conjunction):
A word used to point to a specific person, thing, idea, or event that is farther away or already known.
Examples
- That house belongs to my uncle.
- I know that she works here.
Connotative Meaning
(Connotation: the emotional feeling or idea that a word suggests beyond its basic dictionary meaning.)
- Positive Tone: Can emphasize something important or special.
- Negative Tone: Can sometimes show distance or disapproval depending on context.
- Neutral Tone: Most commonly used as a neutral pointing or connecting word.
Etymology
- Comes from Old English þæt (thaet).
- Original meaning: “that,” “the,” or “which.”
- Related to Germanic languages such as German and Dutch.
Short History of the Keyword
Old English (450–1100)
- Used as þæt to point to people, things, and ideas.
Middle English (1100–1500)
- The spelling gradually changed from þæt to that.
Modern English (1500–Present)
- Became one of the most frequently used words in English.
- Functions as a pronoun, determiner, and conjunction.
Pronunciation (US & UK – IPA)
US: /ðæt/
UK: /ðæt/
Syllables
that
Affixation Pattern of That
Root: that
Prefix: None
Suffix: None
Word Formation of the Keyword
- That (Pronoun)
- That (Determiner)
- That (Conjunction)
- Thereby (Adverb – related demonstrative usage)
- Therefore (Adverb)
- Therein (Adverb)
- Thereof (Adverb)
- Therewith (Adverb)
Synonyms of That
Note: The word that has different meanings and grammatical functions. The following alternatives are used in specific contexts.
1. Those (Pronoun)
US: /ðoʊz/ | UK: /ðəʊz/
Meaning: Refers to people or things farther away in plural form.
Examples:
- Those flowers are beautiful.
- I bought those books yesterday.
2. This (Pronoun)
US: /ðɪs/ | UK: /ðɪs/
Meaning: Refers to a nearby thing or idea.
Examples:
- This is my phone.
- I like this song.
3. These (Pronoun)
US: /ðiːz/ | UK: /ðiːz/
Meaning: Refers to nearby things in plural form.
Examples:
- These shoes are new.
- These questions are easy.
4. Which (Pronoun)
US: /wɪtʃ/ | UK: /wɪtʃ/
Meaning: Refers to a specific thing among choices.
Examples:
- Choose which book you want.
- The car which I bought is red.
5. What (Pronoun)
US: /wʌt/ | UK: /wɒt/
Meaning: Refers to an unknown thing.
Examples:
- What happened here?
- Tell me what you need.
6. Such (Determiner)
US: /sʌtʃ/ | UK: /sʌtʃ/
Meaning: Of that kind or type.
Examples:
- I have never seen such beauty.
- Such behavior is unacceptable.
7. The (Determiner)
US: /ðə, ðiː/ | UK: /ðə, ðiː/
Meaning: Refers to a known person or thing.
Examples:
- The house is large.
- The answer is correct.
8. It (Pronoun)
US: /ɪt/ | UK: /ɪt/
Meaning: Refers to a thing already mentioned.
Examples:
- It is raining.
- I found it yesterday.
9. One (Pronoun)
US: /wʌn/ | UK: /wʌn/
Meaning: A particular person or thing.
Examples:
- This one is better.
- One should be careful.
10. The One (Pronoun)
US: /ði wʌn/ | UK: /ðiː wʌn/
Meaning: A specific person or thing.
Examples:
- The one on the shelf is mine.
- She chose the one with flowers.
11. Said (Adjective)
US: /sed/ | UK: /sed/
Meaning: Previously mentioned.
Examples:
- The said document is missing.
- The said person arrived late.
12. Aforementioned (Adjective)
US: /əˈfɔːrˌmen.ʃənd/ | UK: /əˈfɔːˌmen.ʃənd/
Meaning: Mentioned earlier.
Examples:
- The aforementioned issue remains.
- Please review the aforementioned report.
13. Previously Mentioned (Adjective Phrase)
US: /ˈpriː.vi.əs.li/ | UK: /ˈpriː.vi.əs.li/
Meaning: Mentioned before.
Examples:
- The previously mentioned topic is important.
- We discussed the previously mentioned idea.
14. Identical (Adjective)
US: /aɪˈden.tɪ.kəl/ | UK: /aɪˈden.tɪ.kəl/
Meaning: Exactly the same.
Examples:
- We bought identical shirts.
- The results were identical.
15. Similar (Adjective)
US: /ˈsɪm.ə.lɚ/ | UK: /ˈsɪm.ɪ.lə/
Meaning: Almost the same.
Examples:
- Their opinions are similar.
- We had similar experiences.
16. Equivalent (Adjective)
US: /ɪˈkwɪv.ə.lənt/ | UK: /ɪˈkwɪv.ə.lənt/
Meaning: Equal in value or meaning.
Examples:
- The two terms are equivalent.
- This amount is equivalent to ten dollars.
17. Corresponding (Adjective)
US: /ˌkɔːr.əˈspɑːn.dɪŋ/ | UK: /ˌkɒr.əˈspɒn.dɪŋ/
Meaning: Matching another thing.
Examples:
- Check the corresponding number.
- Each section has a corresponding page.
18. Same (Adjective)
US: /seɪm/ | UK: /seɪm/
Meaning: Not different.
Examples:
- We have the same goal.
- They chose the same color.
19. Particular (Adjective)
US: /pɚˈtɪk.jə.lɚ/ | UK: /pəˈtɪk.jə.lə/
Meaning: Specific.
Examples:
- I need that particular book.
- She likes one particular song.
20. Specific (Adjective)
US: /spəˈsɪf.ɪk/ | UK: /spəˈsɪf.ɪk/
Meaning: Clearly identified.
Examples:
- Give a specific answer.
- We discussed a specific problem.
21. Certain (Adjective)
US: /ˈsɝː.tən/ | UK: /ˈsɜː.tən/
Meaning: Particular but not named.
Examples:
- A certain person called you.
- I remember a certain day.
22. Yonder (Pronoun)
US: /ˈjɑːn.dɚ/ | UK: /ˈjɒn.də/
Meaning: Located at a distance.
Examples:
- Look at yonder hill.
- The house stands yonder.
23. There (Adverb)
US: /ðer/ | UK: /ðeə/
Meaning: In or at that place.
Examples:
- Put it there.
- We met there yesterday.
24. Therein (Adverb)
US: /ˌðerˈɪn/ | UK: /ˌðeərˈɪn/
Meaning: In that thing.
Examples:
- The answer lies therein.
- Rights therein are protected.
25. Thereof (Adverb)
US: /ˌðerˈʌv/ | UK: /ˌðeərˈɒv/
Meaning: Of that thing.
Examples:
- Terms thereof apply.
- The details thereof are listed.
26. Thereby (Adverb)
US: /ˌðerˈbaɪ/ | UK: /ˌðeəˈbaɪ/
Meaning: By that means.
Examples:
- He improved and thereby succeeded.
- The law changed, thereby helping workers.
27. Therefore (Adverb)
US: /ˈðer.fɔːr/ | UK: /ˈðeə.fɔː/
Meaning: For that reason.
Examples:
- It rained; therefore, we stayed home.
- She studied hard; therefore, she passed.
28. Thus (Adverb)
US: /ðʌs/ | UK: /ðʌs/
Meaning: In this way or as a result.
Examples:
- The project ended, thus saving money.
- Thus began a new chapter.
29. Consequently (Adverb)
US: /ˈkɑːn.sə.kwənt.li/ | UK: /ˈkɒn.sɪ.kwənt.li/
Meaning: As a result.
Examples:
- He was late; consequently, he missed the meeting.
- Sales fell; consequently, profits dropped.
30. Accordingly (Adverb)
US: /əˈkɔːr.dɪŋ.li/ | UK: /əˈkɔː.dɪŋ.li/
Meaning: In a way that matches the situation.
Examples:
- We planned accordingly.
- She acted accordingly.
Prototype Meaning
The prototype meaning of that is pointing to a specific person, object, idea, or event that is farther away or already known.
When people hear the word that, they usually imagine someone identifying or referring to a particular thing.
Prototype Categorization
- Demonstrative Words: that, this, these, those
- Reference Words: it, one, the one
- Formal References: said, aforementioned, previously mentioned
- Similarity Words: same, similar, identical, equivalent
- Location References: there, yonder, therein, thereof
- Result and Connection Words: therefore, thereby, thus, consequently, accordingly
Categorization helps writers choose the most suitable alternative based on grammar, formality, and meaning.
Antonyms of That
- This (Pronoun) – Refers to a nearby person or thing.
- These (Pronoun) – Refers to nearby things.
- Here (Adverb) – In this place.
- Present (Adjective) – Existing here or now.
- Current (Adjective) – Belonging to the present time.
Short Questions and Answers
- What does “that” mean?
It refers to a specific person, thing, idea, or event. - When should “that” be used?
Use it to point to something farther away or already known. - Is “that” positive or negative?
It is usually neutral. The tone depends on the sentence. - How is it different from similar words?
“That” usually refers to something farther away, while “this” refers to something closer.
Formal and Casual Alternatives
Formal Alternatives
- Aforementioned
- Said
- Previously Mentioned
- Corresponding
- Equivalent
Casual Alternatives
- This
- Those
- It
- One
- There
Related Words
- This
- These
- Those
- There
- Therefore
- Thus
- Which
- What
- Such
- Same
Conclusion
Learning the word that and its alternatives can greatly improve your English vocabulary. Although it is a simple word, it plays an important role in speaking and writing. Understanding different synonyms and related expressions helps you communicate more clearly and naturally.
It also prevents repetition and makes your writing more engaging. By studying pronunciation, history, grammar, connotation, and usage examples, you can use these alternatives with confidence.
Regular vocabulary practice helps learners become stronger readers, writers, and speakers. Keep exploring new words every day, and you will gradually build a richer and more effective English vocabulary.
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I am a linguist with 17 years of experience in English language teaching, including postgraduate-level instruction. My expertise includes English grammar, and I contribute as a content and blog writer, producing scholarly and educational language resources.
