that
(unstressed)
determiner used before a singular n
a used preceding a noun that has been mentioned at some time or is understood
that idea of yours
b (as pronoun)
don't eat that, that's what I mean
a used preceding a noun that denotes something more remote or removed
that dress is cheaper than this one, that building over there is for sale
b (as pronoun)
that is John and this is his wife, give me that Compare →
this
3 used to refer to something that is familiar
that old chap from across the street
4 ♦
and (all) that
Informal everything connected with the subject mentioned
he knows a lot about building and that
5 ♦
at that completive-intensive additionally, all things considered, or nevertheless
he's a pleasant fellow at that, I might decide to go at that
a with ease; effortlessly
he gave me the answer just like that
b of such a nature, character, etc.
he paid for all our tickets <emdash> he's like that
8 ♦
that's more like it that is better, an improvement, etc.
9 ♦
that's that there is no more to be done, discussed, etc.
10 ♦
with (or at) that thereupon; having said or done that
conj subordinating
11 used to introduce a noun clause
I believe that you'll come
12 (Also)
so that, in order that used to introduce a clause of purpose
they fought that others might have peace
13 used to introduce a clause of result
he laughed so hard that he cried
14 used to introduce a clause after an understood sentence expressing desire, indignation, or amazement
oh, that I had never lived!
adv
15 used with adjectives or adverbs to reinforce the specification of a precise degree already mentioned
go just that fast and you should be safe
16 (Also)
all that usually used with a negative
Informal (intensifier)
he wasn't that upset at the news
17 Dialect (intensifier)
the cat was that weak after the fight
pron
18 used to introduce a restrictive relative clause
the book that we want
19 used to introduce a clause with the verb to be to emphasize the extent to which the preceding noun is applicable
genius that she is, she outwitted the computer
(Old English thæt; related to Old Frisian thet, Old Norse, Old Saxon that, Old High German daz, Greek to, Latin istud, Sanskrit tad)
Precise stylists maintain a distinction between that and which: that is used as a relative pronoun in restrictive clauses and which in nonrestrictive clauses. In the book that is on the table is mine, the clause that is on the table is used to distinguish one particular book (the one on the table) from another or others (which may be anywhere, but not on the table). In the book, which is on the table, is mine, the which clause is merely descriptive or incidental. The more formal the level of language, the more important it is to preserve the distinction between the two relative pronouns; but in informal or colloquial usage, the words are often used interchangeably