Definition Synonyms
Definition of they - Reverso English Dictionary
Pronoun
1.
pluralrefers to a group of people or things
- They are going to the park together.
2.
singularrefers to a person whose gender is unknown or unspecified
- Someone left their umbrella; I wonder if they will come back for it.
3.
non-binaryrefers to a person who prefers gender-neutral pronouns
- Alex said they will join us for dinner tonight.
Expressions with they
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used to introduce a common saying or belief
As they say, a stitch in time saves nine.
used to indicate something is believed by others
She is the best chef in town, so they say.
to the highest degree possible
She is as kind as they come.
treat someone badly when they already suffer or face problems
Teasing Mark after his accident is really hitting him when he is down.
make things worse for someone already having a hard time
Don't kick the player when they are down.
acting with confidence as if in control
She walked into the room like they own the place.
make trouble worse for someone already in bad shape
They really struck him when he was down by firing him then.
try to get information by asking questions carefully and indirectly
They are fishing for information about the new project.
express that two things are very different from each other
They are two different animals when it comes to sports skills!
start fighting physically after arguing or disagreeing
They came to blows after the heated argument.
too upset to leave someone, somewhere or something you love
She couldn't bear to part with the old house.
successfully complete an agreement or transaction
They nailed the deal after weeks of negotiation!
end a relationship or partnership formally or informally
After the argument, they parted company as friends.
hide a story to prevent people from knowing it
They buried the story to avoid bad publicity.
warns not to expect something before it happens
Don't count your chickens before they hatch, the deal isn't final yet!
showing someone does not care about something
He could leave tomorrow, for all they care.
understand and respond to someone's current situation
Good counselors meet people where they are, not where they wish they were.
adapt actions to match another person’s current state or situation
Good teachers meet students where they are and build skills step by step.
experience the results of their actions or choices
They were dishonest and now they reap what they sow.
in a romantic relationship as a couple
Did you hear they are an item now?
arrive in large quantities or numbers
When the discounts started, they came by the truckload.
be safe from harm or criticism by others
They can't touch you when you have strong support.
misunderstand each other during communication causing confusion
They got their lines crossed and missed the meeting time.
eat a meal with enjoyment and enthusiasm
They had a good tuck-in after the long hike!
Origin of they
Old Norse, þeir (they)
Terms with they included in their meaning
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visual perception
visual attribute of things resulting from the light they emit or transmit
customer service
ask a customer if they need assistance
combination
combine two or more substances so that they become one
medical
check on someone's well-being after they have slept
etiquette
said to someone after they sneeze
repetition
ask someone to repeat what they said
actual state
state of things as they are, not as wished
help balance
support someone so they do not fall
finished task
asking if someone has finished what they are doing
prediction
if things continue as they are now
agree support
agree with someone to show they are right
physical movement
stand in front of someone so they cannot pass
deception
fail to trick someone because they understand the truth
unwanted involvement
involve someone in a situation they do not want
communication
ask someone if they have a short time to talk
mental engagement
make someone think about something so they are not bored
not disturb
stop bothering or disturbing someone so they feel calm
food
corn kernels heated until they burst open and become fluffy
organize things
arrange things so they are neat or follow a sequence
inspection
examination of work or goods to ensure they meet required standards
travel
flight taking passengers back to the place they started from
farewell
wish someone farewell when they are leaving
overindulge
give someone everything they want
pastime
throwing stones so they bounce on water
Examples of they in a sentence
They were excited about the trip. If anyone calls, ask if they need assistance. Every student should feel like they belong, no matter who they are. Taylor mentioned that they are coming to the party. Jordan said they would prefer a quiet evening.
View all translations of they
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:ils, iel, ...
- German:sie, man, ...
- Italian:loro, lui o lei, ...
- Spanish:ellos, alguien, ...
- Portuguese:eles, elu, ...
- Chinese:他们, TA, ...
- Japanese:彼ら, ...
- Arabic:هم, هُم, ...
- Hebrew:הֵם, ...
- Russian:они, он, ...
- Ukrainian:вони, ...
- Hindi:वे, वह, ...
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