Collins English-English Dictionary

that [ðæt]

1. 1. conj so that in order that used to introduce a clause of purpose

   they fought that others might have peace

2. 2. determiner [used before a singular noun] used preceding a noun that has been mentioned at some time or is understood

   that idea of yours

3. 3. determiner (as pronoun)

   don't eat that

   that's what I mean

4. 4. determiner used preceding a noun that denotes something more remote or removed

   that dress is cheaper than this one

   that building over there is for sale

5. 5. adv [usually used with a negative] [informal] all that (intensifier)

   he wasn't that upset at the news

6. 6. determiner (as pronoun) - Compare this

   that is John and this is his wife

   give me that

7. 7. determiner used to refer to something that is familiar

   that old chap from across the street

8. 8. conj [subordinating] used to introduce a noun clause

   I believe that you'll come

9. 9. conj used to introduce a clause of result

   he laughed so hard that he cried

10. 10. conj used to introduce a clause after an understood sentence expressing desire, indignation, or amazement

    oh, that I had never lived!

11. 11. adv used with adjectives or adverbs to reinforce the specification of a precise degree already mentioned

    go just that fast and you should be safe

12. 12. adv [dialect] (intensifier)

    the cat was that weak after the fight

13. 13. pron used to introduce a restrictive relative clause

    the book that we want

14. 14. pron used to introduce a clause with the verb to be to emphasize the extent to which the preceding noun is applicable

    genius that she is, she outwitted the computer

15. 15. pron [Etymology] Old English thæt; related to Old Frisian thet, Old Norse, Old Saxon that, Old High German daz, Greek to, Latin istud, Sanskrit tad

16. 16. pron [Usage] Precise stylists maintain a distinction between that and which: that is used as a relative pronoun in restrictive clauses and which in nonrestrictive clauses. In the book that is on the table is mine, the clause that is on the table is used to distinguish one particular book (the one on the table) from another or others (which may be anywhere, but not on the table). In the book, which is on the table, is mine, the which clause is merely descriptive or incidental. The more formal the level of language, the more important it is to preserve the distinction between the two relative pronouns; but in informal or colloquial usage, the words are often used interchangeably