Main Entry: 1it
Pronunciation: 'it, &t
Function: pronoun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hit -- more at HE
1 : that one -- used as subject or direct object or indirect object of a verb or object of a preposition usually in reference to a lifeless thing <took a quick look at the house and noticed it was very old>, a plant <there is a rosebush near the fence and it is now blooming>, a person or animal whose sex is unknown or disregarded <don't know who it is>, a group of individuals or things, or an abstract entity <beauty is everywhere and it is a source of joy> -- compare HE, ITS, SHE, THEY
2 -- used as subject of an impersonal verb that expresses a condition or action without reference to an agent <it is raining>
3 a -- used as anticipatory subject or object of a verb <it is necessary to repeat the whole thing> -- often used to shift emphasis to a part of a statement other than the subject <it was in this city that the treaty was signed> b -- used with many verbs as a direct object with little or no meaning <footed it back to camp>
4 -- used to refer to an explicit or implicit state of affairs or circumstances <how is it going>
5 : a crucial or climactic point <this is it>
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