thing
Translation
thing, object, matter, affair
Examples
What is that thing on the table?
What is that thing on the table?
The main thing is to stay calm.
The main thing is to stay calm.
It's a strange thing to say.
It's a strange thing to say.
Grammar Patterns
a/the thing ((on/in sth.)) an object (on/in sth.) What is that thing on the table?
the ... thing is that ... the ... point/matter is that ... The important thing is that you are safe.
Similar Words
Synonyms: object, item, matter, affair
Etymology
From Old English 'þing', meaning 'assembly, meeting, matter, object'. It originally referred to a legal assembly.
Memory Tips
'Thing' is a very general word. Use it to refer to any object you don't know the name of, or any abstract idea.