The word this is one of the most common words in English. It is used to point to a person, thing, idea, or situation that is near the speaker or currently being discussed. For example, if you are holding a book, you might say, “This book is interesting.” In that sentence, this identifies a specific book.
Because this appears in everyday speech and writing, English learners use it frequently. However, repeating the same word too often can make writing sound dull.
Learning alternatives and related expressions helps improve vocabulary and communication skills.
In this article, you will learn the meaning of this, its pronunciation, grammar, history, connotations, and 30 useful alternatives with examples. You will also discover related words, antonyms, categories, and practical usage tips.
Meaning of This
Definition
This (Determiner, Pronoun):
A word used to refer to a person, thing, idea, or event that is near in place, time, or attention.
Examples
- This car belongs to my brother.
- I enjoyed this movie very much.
Connotative Meaning
(Connotation: the emotional feeling or association connected with a word beyond its dictionary meaning.)
- Positive tone: Can create a feeling of closeness or importance.
- Negative tone: May sound critical depending on context.
- Neutral tone: Simply identifies something nearby or currently discussed.
Etymology
- Comes from Old English þis.
- Related to Germanic words meaning “near” or “present.”
- Originally used to point to something close to the speaker.
Short History of the Keyword
- Old English (450–1100): Used as þis to indicate something nearby.
- Middle English (1100–1500): Spelling gradually changed to this.
- Modern English (1500–Present): Became one of the most common demonstrative words in English.
Pronunciation (US & UK – IPA)
US: /ðɪs/
UK: /ðɪs/
Syllables
this
Affixation Pattern of This
Root: this
Prefix: None
Suffix: None
Word Formation of This
- This (Pronoun) – refers to something nearby
- This (Determiner) – modifies a noun
- These (Pronoun/Determiner) – plural form of this
- Thisness (Noun) – quality of being a particular thing
- Herewith (Adverb) – with this
Synonyms of This
Note: “This” has very few true synonyms. The following words and expressions serve as alternatives depending on context.
1. The Following (Determiner Phrase)
US: /ðə ˈfɑː.loʊ.ɪŋ/ | UK: /ðə ˈfɒl.əʊ.ɪŋ/
Meaning: Referring to what comes next.
Examples:
- The following information is important.
- Read the following instructions carefully.
2. The Present (Adjective)
US: /ðə ˈprez.ənt/ | UK: /ðə ˈprez.ənt/
Meaning: Existing now.
Examples:
- The present situation is challenging.
- We must focus on the present moment.
3. The Current (Adjective)
US: /ðə ˈkɝː.ənt/ | UK: /ðə ˈkʌr.ənt/
Meaning: Existing now or at this time.
Examples:
- The current plan is effective.
- The current year has been busy.
4. Here (Adverb)
US: /hɪr/ | UK: /hɪə/
Meaning: In this place.
Examples:
- Please sit here.
- Here is your book.
5. The Latter (Pronoun)
US: /ðə ˈlæt̬.ɚ/ | UK: /ðə ˈlæt.ə/
Meaning: The second of two mentioned things.
Examples:
- I prefer the latter option.
- The latter was more useful.
6. Such (Determiner)
US: /sʌtʃ/ | UK: /sʌtʃ/
Meaning: Of this kind or type.
Examples:
- Such behavior is unacceptable.
- Such events are rare.
7. The Mentioned (Adjective)
US: /ðə ˈmen.ʃənd/ | UK: /ðə ˈmen.ʃənd/
Meaning: Already referred to.
Examples:
- The mentioned topic is important.
- We discussed the mentioned issue.
8. The Said (Adjective)
US: /ðə seɪd/ | UK: /ðə seɪd/
Meaning: Previously mentioned.
Examples:
- The said document was approved.
- The said person attended the meeting.
9. Aforementioned (Adjective)
US: /əˈfɔːrˌmen.ʃənd/ | UK: /əˈfɔːˌmen.ʃənd/
Meaning: Mentioned earlier.
Examples:
- The aforementioned facts are correct.
- We reviewed the aforementioned report.
10. Presently Discussed (Adjective Phrase)
US: /ˈprez.ənt.li dɪˈskʌst/ | UK: /ˈprez.ənt.li dɪˈskʌst/
Meaning: Being talked about now.
Examples:
- The presently discussed topic is complex.
- We will solve the presently discussed issue.
11. Nearby (Adjective)
US: /ˌnɪrˈbaɪ/ | UK: /ˌnɪəˈbaɪ/
Meaning: Close in location.
Examples:
- A nearby store is open.
- The nearby building is new.
12. Close (Adjective)
US: /kloʊs/ | UK: /kləʊs/
Meaning: Near in distance.
Examples:
- The school is close.
- Keep the object close.
13. Immediate (Adjective)
US: /ɪˈmiː.di.ət/ | UK: /ɪˈmiː.di.ət/
Meaning: Happening now or very near.
Examples:
- We need immediate action.
- The immediate concern is safety.
14. Existing (Adjective)
US: /ɪɡˈzɪs.tɪŋ/ | UK: /ɪɡˈzɪs.tɪŋ/
Meaning: Present now.
Examples:
- The existing rules remain active.
- Existing systems need updates.
15. Relevant (Adjective)
US: /ˈrel.ə.vənt/ | UK: /ˈrel.ə.vənt/
Meaning: Connected to the current subject.
Examples:
- The relevant point is important.
- Please provide relevant details.
16. Current One (Pronoun Phrase)
US: /ˈkɝː.ənt wʌn/ | UK: /ˈkʌr.ənt wʌn/
Meaning: The one being discussed now.
Examples:
- I prefer the current one.
- The current one works better.
17. Particular (Adjective)
US: /pɚˈtɪk.jə.lɚ/ | UK: /pəˈtɪk.jʊ.lə/
Meaning: Specific and identified.
Examples:
- This particular issue matters.
- A particular student asked a question.
18. Specific (Adjective)
US: /spəˈsɪf.ɪk/ | UK: /spəˈsɪf.ɪk/
Meaning: Clearly identified.
Examples:
- A specific example helps.
- We discussed a specific topic.
19. Identified (Adjective)
US: /aɪˈden.tə.faɪd/ | UK: /aɪˈden.tɪ.faɪd/
Meaning: Clearly recognized.
Examples:
- The identified problem was fixed.
- We addressed the identified issue.
20. Named (Adjective)
US: /neɪmd/ | UK: /neɪmd/
Meaning: Specifically mentioned.
Examples:
- The named person arrived.
- The named company responded.
21. Noted (Adjective)
US: /ˈnoʊ.t̬ɪd/ | UK: /ˈnəʊ.tɪd/
Meaning: Mentioned or recognized.
Examples:
- The noted point is useful.
- We reviewed the noted concern.
22. Referenced (Adjective)
US: /ˈref.ər.ənst/ | UK: /ˈref.ər.ənst/
Meaning: Mentioned earlier.
Examples:
- The referenced article is helpful.
- We discussed the referenced material.
23. Stated (Adjective)
US: /ˈsteɪ.t̬ɪd/ | UK: /ˈsteɪ.tɪd/
Meaning: Clearly expressed.
Examples:
- The stated goal is achievable.
- Follow the stated rules.
24. Cited (Adjective)
US: /ˈsaɪ.t̬ɪd/ | UK: /ˈsaɪ.tɪd/
Meaning: Mentioned as evidence.
Examples:
- The cited source is reliable.
- We checked the cited document.
25. Indicated (Adjective)
US: /ˈɪn.dɪ.keɪ.t̬ɪd/ | UK: /ˈɪn.dɪ.keɪ.tɪd/
Meaning: Pointed out or shown.
Examples:
- Follow the indicated route.
- The indicated item is correct.
26. Highlighted (Adjective)
US: /ˈhaɪ.laɪ.t̬ɪd/ | UK: /ˈhaɪ.laɪ.tɪd/
Meaning: Given special attention.
Examples:
- Review the highlighted section.
- The highlighted topic is important.
27. Designated (Adjective)
US: /ˈdez.ɪɡ.neɪ.t̬ɪd/ | UK: /ˈdez.ɪɡ.neɪ.tɪd/
Meaning: Officially selected.
Examples:
- Use the designated area.
- The designated person will help.
28. Pointed-Out (Adjective)
US: /ˈpɔɪn.tɪd aʊt/ | UK: /ˈpɔɪn.tɪd aʊt/
Meaning: Specifically referred to.
Examples:
- The pointed-out mistake was corrected.
- We discussed the pointed-out detail.
29. In Question (Adjective Phrase)
US: /ɪn ˈkwes.tʃən/ | UK: /ɪn ˈkwes.tʃən/
Meaning: Being discussed.
Examples:
- The item in question is missing.
- The matter in question remains unresolved.
30. Concerned (Adjective)
US: /kənˈsɝːnd/ | UK: /kənˈsɜːnd/
Meaning: Related to the topic being discussed.
Examples:
- The concerned department responded.
- The concerned issue was solved.
Prototype Meaning
The prototype meaning of this is a word used to point to something close to the speaker or something currently being discussed.
When people hear this, they usually imagine someone identifying a nearby object, person, idea, or situation.
Prototype Categorization
- Location-Based Alternatives: Here, Nearby, Close
- Time-Based Alternatives: Present, Current, Immediate
- Reference Alternatives: Aforementioned, Mentioned, Referenced, Said
- Specificity Alternatives: Particular, Specific, Identified, Named
- Discussion Alternatives: Relevant, In Question, Concerned, Highlighted
Categorization helps writers choose the best alternative depending on if they are referring to location, time, a previous reference, or a specific subject.
Antonyms of This
- That (Pronoun/Determiner) – refers to something farther away
- Those (Pronoun/Determiner) – plural form of that
- There (Adverb) – in a distant place
- Distant (Adjective) – far away
- Remote (Adjective) – located far from the speaker
- Faraway (Adjective) – at a great distance
Formal and Casual Alternatives
| Formal Alternatives | Casual Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Aforementioned | Here |
| The Said | This One |
| Referenced | That One |
| Particular | Close |
| Identified | Nearby |
| Designated | Current One |
Related Words
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| This | Pronoun | Refers to something near |
| These | Pronoun | Plural form of this |
| That | Pronoun | Refers to something farther away |
| Those | Pronoun | Plural form of that |
| Here | Adverb | In this place |
| There | Adverb | In that place |
Short Questions and Answers
- What does this mean?
- It refers to a person, thing, idea, or event that is near or currently being discussed.
- When should this be used?
- Use it when pointing to something close in place, time, or attention.
- Is this positive or negative?
- It is generally neutral. The tone depends on the context.
- How is it different from similar words?
- This refers to something near, while that refers to something farther away.
Conclusion
The word this is small but very important in English. It helps speakers and writers identify people, objects, ideas, and situations clearly.
Learning alternatives and related expressions can improve vocabulary, strengthen writing, and reduce repetition.
Understanding the pronunciation, history, grammar, and usage of this also helps learners communicate more naturally. While this has few true synonyms, many related expressions can serve similar functions in different contexts.
Practicing these alternatives will improve both spoken and written English. Make vocabulary learning a daily habit, and you will gain greater confidence and accuracy in communication.
Read more about!
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I am a British-American author, speaker, and motivational thinker. I focus on leadership and inspiration.
My main idea is that great leaders and successful organizations start with “why”.
I studied cultural anthropology and communication. My well-known books include Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, and The Infinite Game.
