'This' definitions:

Definition of 'This'

From: GCIDE
  • This \This\ ([th][i^]s), pron. & a.; pl. These ([th][=e]z). [OE. this, thes, AS. [eth][=e]s, masc., [eth]e['o]s, fem., [eth]is, neut.; akin to OS. these, D. deze, G. dieser, OHG. diser, deser, Icel. [thorn]essi; originally from the definite article + a particle -se, -si; cf. Goth. sai behold. See The, That, and cf. These, Those.]
  • 1. As a demonstrative pronoun, this denotes something that is present or near in place or time, or something just mentioned, or that is just about to be mentioned. [1913 Webster]
  • When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart. --Acts ii. 37. [1913 Webster]
  • But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched. --Matt. xxiv. 43. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. As an adjective, this has the same demonstrative force as the pronoun, but is followed by a noun; as, this book; this way to town. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: This may be used as opposed or correlative to that, and sometimes as opposed to other or to a second this. See the Note under That, 1. [1913 Webster]
  • This way and that wavering sails they bend. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
  • A body of this or that denomination is produced. --Boyle. [1913 Webster]
  • Their judgment in this we may not, and in that we need not, follow. --Hooker. [1913 Webster]
  • Consider the arguments which the author had to write this, or to design the other, before you arraign him. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • Thy crimes . . . soon by this or this will end. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: This, like a, every, that, etc., may refer to a number, as of years, persons, etc., taken collectively or as a whole. [1913 Webster]
  • This twenty years have I been with thee.. --Gen. xxxi. 38. [1913 Webster]
  • I have not wept this years; but now My mother comes afresh into my eyes. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]