pronoun

UK: ˈprəʊ.naʊn | US: ˈproʊ.naʊn

Definition
  1. n. a word that substitutes for a noun or noun phrase (e.g., "he," "it," "this").

Structure
pro <for, in place of>noun <name, word>
Etymology

The word "pronoun" originates from Latin prōnōmen, combining pro- (meaning "for, in place of") and nōmen (meaning "name"). It entered Middle English via Old French pronoun. The term reflects its function—a word that stands "for a noun," replacing it to avoid repetition or clarify reference. The logic is straightforward: pro- signals substitution, while noun anchors it to the part of speech it replaces.

Examples
  1. "She" is a pronoun that refers to a female person.

  2. In the sentence "They won the game," "they" acts as a pronoun.

  3. Pronouns like "it" can replace objects or animals.

  4. "This" is a demonstrative pronoun pointing to something nearby.

  5. Avoid overusing pronouns to ensure clarity in writing.