thing
Looking for the meaning of thing? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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That which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept.
A word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity.
An individual object or distinct entity.
A genuine concept, entity or phenomenon; something that actually exists (often contrary to expectation or belief).
“Bacon pie? Is that a thing?”
Whatever can be owned.
Corporeal object.
(somewhat obsolete, with the) The latest fad or fashion.
(in the plural) Clothes, possessions or equipment.
“Hold on, let me just grab my things.”
A unit or container, usually containing edible goods.
“get me a thing of apple juice at the store; I just ate a whole thing of jelly beans”
A problem, dilemma, or complicating factor.
“The car looks cheap, but the thing is, I have doubts about its safety.”
A penis.
A living being or creature.
“you poor thing; she's a funny old thing, but her heart's in the right place; I met a pretty blond thing at the bar”
That which matters; the crux.
“that's the thing: we don't know where he went; the thing is, I don't have any money”
Used after a noun to refer dismissively to the situation surrounding the noun's referent.
“Oh yeah, I'm supposed to promote that vision thing.”
That which is favoured; personal preference. (Used in possessive constructions.)
A public assembly or judicial council in a Germanic country.
A romantic relationship.
To express as a thing; to reify.
Understanding "thing"
The word **"thing"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/θɪŋ/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"thing"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "thing" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "thing" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "thing" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /θɪŋ/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "thing" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "thing" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "thing" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "thing". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/θɪŋ/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "thing" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use thing in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "thing" can be used in academic and casual conversations.