Him

Part of Speech

Pronoun

Pronunciation

/hɪm/

Definitions

• 1. Used to refer to a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified.
• 2. A form of the pronoun "he" used as the object of a verb or preposition.

Usage Examples

• "I saw him at the store yesterday."
• "She gave him the book as a gift."
• "The dog followed him all the way home."

Etymology

Derived from Old English "him," a form of the pronoun "he," used in accusative and dative cases. The word "him" has been in use since the early Middle English period (c. 1300). The word evolved from Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots, with variations across languages like German, Dutch, and others.

Synonyms

• He
• That man
• The male

Antonyms

• Her
• She
• The female

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In different regions, the pronunciation of "him" remains largely consistent, though accents may cause subtle differences. In non-native English speakers, common variations may include a softer or harder "h" sound.

Historical Usage

Historically, "him" has been used in the English language since Old English and has undergone minimal changes. The term originally referred to a male object in the accusative and dative case, as part of the broader use of pronouns in the Germanic language family.

Cultural Nuances

The word "him" is widely used in daily English speech and writing. Its usage is deeply ingrained in Western languages, often seen in cultural expressions and common phrases like "Give him a chance" or "He took it from him." The term also has implications in gender studies, where it reflects traditional gender binary structures.

More Information

The pronoun "him" serves as an object pronoun used for masculine singular subjects in English. It is essential in English syntax for object placement, often following verbs and prepositions. The word reflects a grammatical evolution and remains consistent in modern usage, with minimal shifts in meaning over time.