it1
pron.
[
third person sing.]
- used to refer to a thing previously mentioned or easily identified.
▸referring to an animal or child of unspecified sex.
- used to identify a person.
- used in the normal subject position in statements about time, distance, or weather.
- used in the normal subject or object position when a more specific subject or object is given later in the sentence.
- used to emphasize a following part of a sentence.
- the situation or circumstances.
- exactly what is needed or desired.
- informal sexual intercourse or sex appeal.
- (in children's games) the player who has to catch the others.
Phrase
- that's it
- that is the main point or difficulty.
- that is enough.
- this is it
the expected event is about to happen.
Etymology
OE hit, neut. of he, of Gmc origin.