that

adjective
UK: /ðæt/
US: /ðæt/

  1. Used to identify a specific person or thing observed or heard by the speaker.

    1. That dog is very cute. [ ] [ ]
    2. I told you that the movie was excellent, you should have listened to me. [ ] [ ]

  2. Referring to a specific thing or situation previously mentioned or known.

    1. I didn't like that. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company's profits have significantly increased and that is great news for everyone. [ ] [ ]

  3. Used to introduce a clause of reported speech or to indicate the content of a thought or perception.

    1. She said that she was tired. [ ] [ ]
    2. I believe that honesty is always the best policy despite the potential consequences. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

which so what whom who
that conjunction

  1. Used to introduce a subordinate clause expressing the reason or cause of something.

    1. I know that you can do it. [ ] [ ]
    2. She was happy that he had arrived safely after the long and difficult journey. [ ] [ ]

  2. Used to indicate a purpose or result.

    1. He exercises so that he stays healthy. [ ] [ ]
    2. The music was turned down low so that it wouldn't disturb the neighbors. [ ] [ ]
that adverb

  1. To such a degree; so.

    1. I'm not that hungry. [ ] [ ]
    2. The weather wasn't really that bad considering it was the middle of winter. [ ] [ ]
that pronoun

  1. Used to refer to someone or something previously mentioned.

    1. That is my car over there. [ ] [ ]
    2. I can't believe that happened yesterday during the important presentation. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "that" in English means: Used to identify a specific person or thing observed or heard by the speaker., Referring to a specific thing or situation previously mentioned or known., Used to introduce a clause of reported speech or to indicate the content of a thought or perception..

The phonetic transcription of "that" is /ðæt/ in British English and /ðæt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "that": which, so, what, whom, who.

Example usage of "that": "That dog is very cute.". More examples on the page.