there

UK: ðeə(r) | US: ðer

Definition

  1. adv. in, at, or to that place or position

  2. adv. used to introduce a sentence or clause (e.g., "There is a problem.")

  3. pron. used to attract attention (e.g., "Hey there!")

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

Derived from Old English þǣr, þār ("in or at that place"), related to Old High German dār and Old Norse þar. It shares Proto-Germanic roots with that and the, originally serving as a locative adverb. Over time, it expanded into a dummy subject in existential constructions (e.g., "There is..."), a grammatical evolution unique to English.

Examples

  1. She lives there with her family.

  2. There are many reasons to learn English.

  3. Look there—a rainbow!

  4. There he goes again, forgetting his keys.

  5. There’s no need to worry.