His

 

1. Definition:

   • Pronoun and Possessive Adjective - "His" is a possessive pronoun and adjective in English, used to indicate ownership, association, or relation to a male person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified within the context. It denotes that something belongs to or is related to him.

2. Origin:

   • The word "his" originates from the Old English "his," which had the same possessive meaning. It is derived from Proto-Germanic *hes, corresponding to the Proto-Indo-European *ko-, a stem for demonstrative pronouns. The use of "his" as a possessive pronoun and adjective has been a consistent feature in English since its earliest forms.

3. Usage in a Sentence:

   • "This is his book."
   • "He left his keys on the table."

4. Historical and Contemporary Usage:

   • Historically, "his" has always been used as the masculine possessive pronoun in English, indicating ownership or association with a male subject. Its usage has remained relatively unchanged over time. In contemporary English, "his" continues to serve this role, though discussions around gender and pronouns have led to evolving perspectives on possessive pronouns.

5. Cultural Significance:

   • As a possessive pronoun, "his" plays a crucial role in English grammar for expressing ownership or association, particularly in relation to male subjects. The use of gender-specific pronouns like "his" is part of broader discussions on language, gender identity, and inclusivity.

6. Related Forms:

   • "He" (subject pronoun): Used to refer to a male person previously mentioned as the subject of a verb.
   • "Him" (object pronoun): Used to refer to a male person previously mentioned as the object of a verb or preposition.
   • "Himself" (reflexive pronoun): Used for emphasis or to refer to a male person previously mentioned as the object of a verb when the subject and object are the same.

7. Etymology:

   • The development of "his" from Old English reflects the continuity and stability of possessive forms in the language. Its etymology underscores its longstanding role in indicating possession or association in English grammar.

"His" is a fundamental possessive pronoun and adjective in English, used to signify ownership or association with a male subject. Its usage is essential for clarity and precision in both spoken and written communication.