theirs

UK: ðeəz | US: ðerz

Definition

  1. pron. belonging to or associated with people or things previously mentioned

Structure
their <belonging to them>s <possessive suffix>
Etymology

The word "theirs" evolved from Middle English "theires," a possessive form of "they." The root "their" derives from Old Norse "þeirra," the genitive plural of "þeir" (they). The addition of "-s" as a possessive marker follows a common pattern in English (e.g., "hers," "ours"), reinforcing ownership without altering the core meaning of "their." This construction reflects the Germanic influence on English grammar, where possessive pronouns often adopt distinct forms.

Examples

  1. The books on the table are theirs.

  2. They claimed the victory as theirs.

  3. Is this car theirs or yours?

  4. The responsibility is theirs to bear.

  5. The decision is ultimately theirs.