Its Meaning
/ɪts/Definition, CEFR level A1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
detBelonging to it.
pronThe one (or ones) belonging to it.
Sentence Examples
If you don't understand something, it's because you aren't aware of its context.
Despite the importance of sleep, its purpose is a mystery.
Turn the box on its side.
Vocabulary Challenge
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The old oak tree shed all ____ leaves during the cold autumn.
Word Origin & History
Equivalent to it + -s (possessive marker). From the earlier form it's (it + -'s), which is now considered nonstandard. Began to displace his as the possessive of the neuter pronoun in the Middle English period; had fully displaced it by the 1700s.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The manner wherewith our Lawes assay to moderate the foolish and vaine expences of table-cheare and apparell, seemeth contrarie to it's end."
— 1603, Michel de Montaigne, chapter 43, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes […], book I, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], →OCLC:
"since I have been at the Pains to write it, if he consents to it's being published I will follow my Friend's Advice, and chiefly yours."
— 1751, G. Burnett, translated by Thomas More, Utopia:
"They descended the hill, crossed the bridge, and drove to the door; and, while examining the nearer aspect of the house, all her apprehensions of meeting its owner returned."
— 1813, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice:
"The Chinese government is at war with its own people."
— 1989 June 5, Jasper Becker, John Gittings, The Guardian:
"Nara and its deer are so closely associated that the light-brown colored animals are pictured in the city’s tourism ads, on buses, train tickets and more."
— 2024 July 23, Lilit Marcus, “Japan may be sick of mass tourism. But the deer in this ancient UNESCO-listed city love it”, in CNN:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The old oak tree shed all ____ leaves during the cold autumn.