that - pron., adj., adv., & conj. --demons.pron. (pl. those)
1 the person or thing indicated, named, or understood, esp. when observed by the speaker or when familiar to the person addressed (I heard
that; who is
that in the garden?; I knew all
that before;
that is not fair).
2 (contrasted with this) the further or less immediate or
obvious etc. of two (this bag is much heavier than
that).
3 the
action, behaviour, or circumstances just observed or mentioned (don't do
that again).
4 Brit. (on the telephone etc.) the person spoken to (who is
that?).
5 colloq. referring to a strong feeling just mentioned ('Are you glad?' 'I am
that').
6 (esp. in relative constructions) the one, the person, etc., described or specified in some way (those who have cars can take the luggage; those
unfit for use; a table like
that described above).
7 (pl.
that) used instead of which or whom to introduce a defining clause, esp. one essential to identification (the book
that you sent me; there is nothing here
that matters).
As a relative that usually specifies, whereas who or which need not: compare the book that you sent me is lost with the book, which I gave you, is lost. --demons.adj. (pl. those)
1 designating the person or thing indicated, named, understood, etc. (cf. sense 1 of pron.) (look at that dog; what was that noise?; things were easier in those days).
2 contrasted with this (cf. sense 2 of pron.) (this bag is heavier than that one).
3 expressing strong feeling (shall not easily forget that day).
--adv. 1 to such a degree; so (have done that much; will go that far).
2 Brit. colloq. very (not that good).
3 at which, on which, etc. (at the speed that he was going he could not stop; the day that I first met her).
Often omitted in this sense: the day I first met her.
--conj. introducing a subordinate clause indicating: 1 a statement or hypothesis (they say that he is better; there is no doubt that he meant it; the result was that the handle fell off).
2 a purpose (we live that we may eat).
3 a result (am so sleepy that I cannot keep my eyes open).
4 a reason or clause (it is rather that he lacks the time).
5 a wish (Oh, that summer were here!).
Often omitted in senses 1, 3: they say he is better.
all that very (not all that good). and all that (or and that colloq.) and all or various things associated with or similar to what has been mentioned; and so forth. like that 1 of that kind (is fond of books like that).
2 in that manner, as you are doing, as he has been doing, etc. (wish they would not talk like that).
3 colloq. without effort (did the job like that).
4 of that character (he would not accept any payment -- he is like that). that is (or that is to say) a formula introducing or following an explanation of a preceding word or words. that's colloq. you are (by virtue of present or future obedience etc.) (that's a good boy). that's more like it an acknowledgement of improvement. that's right an expression of approval or colloq. assent. that's that a formula concluding a narrative or discussion or indicating completion of a task. that there sl. = sense 1 of adj. that will do no more is needed or desirable. [OE thót, nom. & acc. sing. neut. of demons. pron. & adj. se, seo, thót f. Gmc; those f. OE thas pl. of thes THIS]
