Definitions for: It






Webster (1913) Definition: It, pron. [OE. it, hit, AS. hit; cf. D. het. [root]181. See
He.]
The neuter pronoun of the third person, corresponding to the
masculine pronoun he and the feminine she, and having the
same plural (they, their or theirs, them).

Note: The possessive form its is modern, being rarely found
in the writings of Shakespeare and Milton, and not at
all in the original King James's version of the Bible.
During the transition from the regular his to the
anomalous its, it was to some extent employed in the
possessive without the case ending. See His, and
He. In Dryden's time its had become quite established
as the regular form.

The day present hath ever inough to do with it
owne grief. --Genevan
Test.

Do, child, go to it grandam, child. --Shak.

It knighthood shall do worse. It shall fright all
it friends with borrowing letters. --B. Jonson.

Note: In the course of time, the nature of the neuter sign i
in it, the form being found in but a few words, became
misunderstood. Instead of being looked upon as an
affix, it passed for part of the original word. Hence
was formed from it the anomalous genitive it,
superseding the Saxon his. --Latham.

The fruit tree yielding fruit after his (its)
kind. --Gen. i. 11.

Usage: It is used,

1. As a substance for any noun of the neuter gender; as, here
is the book, take it home.

2. As a demonstrative, especially at the beginning of a
sentence, pointing to that which is about to be stated,
named, or mentioned, or referring to that which apparent
or well known; as, I saw it was John.

It is I; be not afraid. --Matt. xiv.
27.

Peter heard that it was the Lord. --John xxi. 7.
Often, in such cases, as a substitute for a sentence or
clause; as, it is thought he will come; it is wrong to do
this.

3. As an indefinite nominative for a impersonal verb; as, it
snows; it rains.

4. As a substitute for such general terms as, the state of
affairs, the condition of things, and the like; as, how is
it with the sick man?

Think on me when it shall be well with thee. --Gen.
xl. 14.

5. As an indefinite object after some intransitive verbs, or
after a substantive used humorously as a verb; as, to foot
it (i. e., to walk).

The Lacedemonians, at the Straits of Thermopyl[ae],
when their arms failed them, fought it out with
nails and teeth. --Dryden.

Whether the charmer sinner it, or saint it, If folly
grows romantic, I must paint it. --Pope.

Its self. See Itself.

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