they're (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

"They're" is a contraction of the words "they are." It functions as a pronoun in English.

Phonetic Transcription

/ðɛr/

Meaning and Usage

"They're" is primarily used as a contraction in English to denote "they are." It can refer to a group of people or things and is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, although it appears more frequently in informal written communication, such as texts, emails, or social media.

Frequency of Use

"They're" is quite common in everyday English. Its usage is prevalent in conversational speech as well as in informal writing.

Example Sentences

1. They're going to the party tonight.
   (Translation: Eles vão à festa esta noite.)

2. I can't believe they're still working on that project.
   (Translation: Eu não posso acreditar que eles ainda estão trabalhando naquele projeto.)

3. Do you think they're ready for the exam?
   (Translation: Você acha que eles estão prontos para o exame?)

Idiomatic Expressions

"They're" is used in various idiomatic expressions, often to convey opinions or states of being. Here are some common expressions:

1. They're in hot water.
   (Translation: Eles estão em sérios apuros.)
   Meaning: They are in trouble.

2. They're on the same page.
   (Translation: Eles estão na mesma página.)
   Meaning: They agree or have the same understanding about something.

3. They're walking on thin ice.
   (Translation: Eles estão andando sobre gelo fino.)
   Meaning: They are in a risky situation.

4. They're full of beans.
   (Translation: Eles estão cheios de energia.)
   Meaning: They are lively and energetic.

5. They're as good as gold.
   (Translation: Eles são tão bons quanto ouro.)
   Meaning: They are very good or reliable.

Etymology

The contraction "they're" derives from the combination of "they" and "are." The word "they" has Old Norse roots coming from "þeir," while "are" comes from Old English "eor" which is a form of the verb "to be." The use of contractions became more popular in English during the 17th century.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: They're synonymous with "they are."
• Antonyms: There are no direct antonyms for "they're" as it is a contraction; however, "they're not" can be seen as a negation.

In summary, "they're" is a widely used contraction representing "they are," found in both spoken and written English, especially informal contexts. It is involved in various idiomatic expressions and stems from Old Norse and Old English influences.