that (ðæt, (unstressed) ðət) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) |
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| —determiner |
| 1. | 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 |
| 2. | 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. Compare this (as pronoun): that is John and this is his wife; give me that |
| 3. | used to refer to something that is familiar: that old chap from across the street |
| 4. | informal and that, and all that everything connected with the subject mentioned: he knows a lot about building and that |
| 5. | (completive-intensive) at that additionally, all things considered, or nevertheless: he's a pleasant fellow at that; I might decide to go at that |
| 6. | like 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 — he's like that |
| 7. | that is |
| | a. to be precise |
| | b. in other words |
| | c. for example |
| 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 that, at that thereupon; having said or done that |
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| —conj |
| 11. | used to introduce a noun clause: I believe that you'll come |
| 12. | so that, Also: 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! |
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| —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. | informal (usually used with a negative) Also: all that (intensifier): he wasn't that upset at the news |
| 17. | dialect (intensifier): the cat was that weak after the fight |
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| —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 |
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| usage 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 |