Cool MateHe
UK /["/hi//iː//i//hiː/"]/US /["/hi//iː//i//hiː/"]/
Definition
a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified
In simple words: A word used to refer to a male person or animal.
Examples
- Everyone liked my father—he was the perfect gentleman.
- He *(= the man we are watching)* went through that door.
- Every child needs to know that he is loved.
- He who *(= anyone who)* hesitates is lost.
Usage notes
Used as a subject pronoun to refer to a male. Avoid using 'he' for females or when gender is unknown.
Grammar pattern
pronoun + verb
Memory hint
Think of 'he' as a single tall man, standing alone.
Collocations
- he said
- he can
- he wants
Synonyms
- the person
- that man
- the individual
Antonyms
- she
- they
Common mistakes
- Using 'he' for a female person.
- Confusing 'he' with 'him' in objective cases.