It Word Meaning

Old English hit, neuter of he, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch het

used to refer to a thing previously mentioned or easily identified

thing previously mentioned

• a room with two beds in it
• this approach is refreshing because it breaks down barriers

used to identify a person

used to identify person

• it's me
• it's a boy!

used in the normal subject position in statements about time, distance, or weather

used in statements about time, weather, etc.

• it's half past five
• it was two miles to the island
• it's raining

used in the normal subject or object position when a more specific subject or object is given later in the sentence

used in subject position when specific subject is given later

• it is impossible to assess the problem
• she found it interesting to learn about their strategy

used to emphasize a following part of a sentence

emphasizing following part of sentence

• it is the child who is the victim

the situation or circumstances; things in general

things in general

• no one can stay here—it's too dangerous now
• he would like to see you straight away if it's convenient

exactly what is needed or desired

exactly what is needed or desired

• they thought they were it
• you've either got it or you haven't

sex appeal

sex appeal

• he's still got ‘it.’

denoting a person or thing that is exceptionally fashionable, popular, or successful at a particular time

denoting person or thing that is very fashionable, popular, or successful at particular time

• they were Hollywood's It couple
• the company is renting out the It bags of the moment for as little as £10 a week

(in children's games) the player who has to catch the others.

player who has to catch others in games