Meaning of 'that' (Webster Dictionary)
- As a demonstrative pronoun (pl. Those),
that usually points out, or refers to, a person or thing previously
mentioned, or supposed to be understood. That, as a demonstrative, may
precede the noun to which it refers; as, that which he has said is
true; those in the basket are good apples.
- As an adjective, that has the same
demonstrative force as the pronoun, but is followed by a noun.
- As a relative pronoun, that is
equivalent to who or which, serving to point out, and make definite, a
person or thing spoken of, or alluded to, before, and may be either
singular or plural.
- As a conjunction, that retains much of
its force as a demonstrative pronoun.
- To introduce a clause employed as the
object of the preceding verb, or as the subject or predicate nominative
of a verb.
- To introduce, a reason or cause; --
equivalent to for that, in that, for the reason that, because.
- To introduce a purpose; -- usually
followed by may, or might, and frequently preceded by so, in order, to
the end, etc.
- To introduce a consequence, result, or
effect; -- usually preceded by so or such, sometimes by that.
- In an elliptical sentence to introduce
a dependent sentence expressing a wish, or a cause of surprise,
indignation, or the like.
- As adverb: To such a degree; so; as, he
was that frightened he could say nothing.
Definition
[ pron., a., conj., & ]