DictionaryAI

that

THAT/ˈðæt/

Often confused with which

14 meanings of that

Practice

  1. 1
    picking one outdeterminerdemonstrative
    Used before a noun to point to a thing already known, or one farther away than 'this' one.

    'This' points at what is in your hand, and 'that' points across the room.

    Pass me that box, please.

    Do you remember that summer we spent by the lake?

    UsageSay that book but those books.

    Oppositethis (entry)

    Note
  2. 2
    who or whichpronounrelative
    Used after a noun to begin words that identify or describe it, as in 'the book that I read'.

    This is the book that I told you about.

    The man that lives next door is a doctor.

    UsageSay the book that I read, with no it at the end.

    Similarwhich, who

  3. 3
    states a factconjunction
    Begins words that give a fact or what someone says or thinks, as in 'He said that he was tired'.

    She said that she was tired.

    I know that you are right.

    UsageYou can leave it out: I know you're right.

  4. 4
    previous pointpronoundemonstrative
    Used for someone or something pointed out, understood, or just mentioned.

    He's leaving? I didn't know that.

    'She won the prize.' 'I'm glad to hear that.'

    Similarit

    Oppositethis (entry)

    Note
  5. 5
    resultconjunction
    Used after 'so' or 'such' to say what happens as a result.

    It was so cold that the pipes froze.

    She was such a good cook that people came from miles away.

    UsageSay so cold that or such a good cook that.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of that apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

This word comes from Old English "þæt," which was the neuter form of "the" and "that." It goes back to older Germanic and Indo-European roots.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts