hers

UK: hɜːz | US: hɜːrz

Definition

  1. pron. belonging to or associated with a female person or animal previously mentioned

Structure
her <belonging to a female>s <possessive suffix>
Etymology

The word "hers" evolved from Middle English "heres," a possessive form of "she." The "-s" suffix is a common Germanic possessive marker (like "his" or "its"). Unlike "her" (which functions as both possessive adjective and object pronoun), "hers" specifically serves as an absolute possessive pronoun, eliminating the need for a following noun (e.g., "The book is hers"). This distinction solidified in Early Modern English.

Examples

  1. The decision is ultimately hers to make.

  2. Is this pen hers or yours?

  3. The blue jacket is hers, not mine.

  4. Hers was the only voice that opposed the idea.

  5. The responsibility will be hers after the manager leaves.