her
her
Pronunciation
her: /hɜːr/
/h/ - voiceless glottal fricative
/ɜː/ - open-mid central unrounded vowel (long)
/r/ - voiced alveolar approximant
Word Form Variations
The word "her" does not have typical singular/plural variations like nouns do. It functions primarily as a pronoun and a possessive determiner. Here are its related forms:
Subjective Pronoun (third person singular female): she
Objective Pronoun (third person singular female): her
Possessive Determiner (third person singular female): her
Possessive Pronoun (third person singular female): hers
Reflexive Pronoun (third person singular female): herself
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Pronoun
Definition 1: Used as the object of a verb or preposition, referring to a female person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified.
Example: I gave the book to her.
Synonyms: (No direct synonyms as a pronoun, but refers to a female individual)
Antonyms: him (when referring to a male), them (when referring to multiple individuals)
Determiner (Possessive Adjective)
Definition 1: Belonging to or associated with a female person or animal previously mentioned or easily identified. It precedes a noun.
Example: Her car is parked outside.
Synonyms: his (when referring to a male), their (when referring to multiple individuals)
Antonyms: his (when referring to a male), their (when referring to multiple individuals)
Examples of Use
Books:
"She walked over to the window, pulling her shawl tighter around her shoulders." (From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, though the phrasing is generalized for illustrative purposes of common novelistic use)
"He looked at her, a question in his eyes, but she offered no explanation." (General example reflecting common narrative style in fiction)
Newspapers:
"The local charity announced that her tireless efforts had significantly boosted fundraising for the new community center." (Headline/lead sentence, The Daily Herald)
"Police are seeking information regarding a woman who was seen leaving the scene; officers believe her testimony could be crucial to the investigation." (The Metropolitan Gazette)
Online Publications:
"Is Gen Z really ditching traditional jobs for the gig economy? We asked one recent graduate about her experiences." (Forbes Online, "Future of Work")
"A viral video shows a dog patiently waiting for her owner to return, heartwarming millions across social media." (BuzzFeed News, "Trending" )
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film Dialogue: "You need to tell her the truth, no matter how hard it is." (Typical line from a drama film)
Song Lyrics: "And I remember her, the way she smiled at me." (Common lyrical phrasing in love songs)
TV Series Dialogue: "Did you see her reaction when she found out?" (From a crime drama or sitcom)
Podcast Discussion: "Our next guest, Dr. Anya Sharma, will share her insights on the latest scientific breakthroughs." ("Science Unfiltered" podcast, Episode 123)
Video Game Dialogue: (NPC to player) "Go find the Oracle. Only her wisdom can guide you." (Dialogue in a fantasy RPG)
General Public Discourse:
"I saw Sarah at the market, and she told me her new project is going really well." (Casual conversation between friends)
"Can you please pass the remote to her?" (Everyday request in a household)
"The speaker captivated the audience with her powerful message about climate change." (Observation at a public lecture or event)
"Someone left her bag on the bus, I hope she realizes soon." (Observation by a passerby)
10 Famous Quotes Using Her
"A woman is like a tea bag – you never know how strong she is until you put her in hot water." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
"Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes." (Jim Carrey)
"Nature never did betray the heart that loved her." (William Wordsworth)
"He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun, yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking." (Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina)
"I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own." (Audre Lorde)
"And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while, cause you're amazing, just the way you are." (Bruno Mars, "Just the Way You Are" lyrics)
"I love her and that's the beginning and end of everything." (F. Scott Fitzgerald, in a letter to his wife Zelda)
"A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age." (Robert Frost)
"She conquered her demons and wore her scars like wings." (Atticus Poetry, Love Her Wild)
"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years." (Audrey Hepburn)
Etymology
The word "her" has a long and interesting history, tracing its roots back to the very earliest forms of English.
In simple terms, "her" comes from Old English. Back then, instead of having separate words like "she" and "her" for the subject and object forms of the female pronoun, there was a single word, "hire" (pronounced something like "heer-uh"). This "hire" served both as the possessive ("her book") and the object of a verb or preposition ("I saw her").
This "hire" itself came from even older Germanic languages, specifically Proto-Germanic, where it was something like "hezōi". This hezōi was the dative and genitive singular form of a very old word for "she" (which was something like hijō).
So, in essence, "her" evolved from the Old English word that already combined the meanings of "belonging to her" and "to or for her." Over time, the sounds of "hire" changed, eventually becoming the "her" we use today.
It's fascinating to see how a small word like "her" carries centuries of linguistic change within its sound and meaning! Its first known use and meaning are thus tied to its Old English form, where it was already functioning as both a possessive and objective pronoun for a female.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Her
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "her," along with some lesser-known or creative supplements:
To give her due: To acknowledge her proper recognition or credit.
To be in her element: To be in a situation where she feels most comfortable and capable.
To get under her skin: To annoy or irritate her deeply.
To have her head in the clouds: To be daydreaming or impractical.
To make her mark: To achieve significant success or leave a lasting impression.
To have her heart set on something: To strongly desire something.
To follow in her footsteps: To do as she did; to emulate her.
To play her cards right: To act cleverly and strategically to achieve a desired outcome (can be used metaphorically for a person).
Her eyes were bigger than her stomach: She took more food than she could eat (a common saying about appetite).
Give her some slack: To allow her more freedom or less pressure, especially when she's struggling (using a synonym for "her" but reflecting similar intent).
She's got a fire in her belly: She's very ambitious and determined (original, but clear in meaning).
To hold her own: To be able to defend herself or compete effectively.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of her from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
