pronoun pl. these

1. the person or thing mentioned or understood this is John; this tastes good
2. the thing that is nearer than another referred to as “that” this is larger than that
3. the less remote in thought of two contrasted things of the two possibilities, this is more likely than that
4. the fact, idea, etc. that is being, or is about to be, mentioned, presented, etc. this convinces us; now hear this

Etymology: ME this, thes < OE thes, masc., this, neut. < base of the demonstrative pron.: see that

adjective pl. these

1. designating the person or thing mentioned or understood this man was John; this pie tastes good
2. designating the thing that is nearer than the one referred to as “that” this desk is smaller than that one
3. designating the less remote in thought of two contrasted things of the two, this possibility is more likely than that
4. designating something that is being, or is about to be, mentioned, presented, etc. hear this song; this fact will convince you
5. Informal designating a particular but unspecified person or thing there's this lady in Iowa

adverb