WordNet-Online
Free dictionary and thesaurus of English. Definitions, synonyms, antonyms and more...
Hint: double-click any word to get it searched!

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web www.wordnet-online.com

Definitions from WordNet

Definitions from the Web

Relative Pronoun

Description:

A relative pronoun is a type of pronoun that introduces a subordinate clause and connects it to a main clause. It is used to show a relationship between an antecedent and the noun clause that follows it.

Senses and Usages:

Sense 1:

As a connector between a main clause and a subordinate clause, a relative pronoun functions as a subject or an object within the subordinate clause. It takes the place of a noun in the subordinate clause that refers back to an antecedent in the main clause.

Example sentence: The book which I borrowed from the library is very interesting.

Sense 2:

Relative pronouns can also be used to introduce relative adverb clauses, where they function as adverbs modifying the verb in the main clause.

Example sentence: I visited the place where I grew up.

Sense 3:

In some languages, such as Latin, relative pronouns inflect according to gender, number, and case.

Example sentence: In Latin, the word 'qui' changes forms to match its function in the sentence.

Sense 4:

Relative pronouns are used in direct and indirect questions to connect the question clause with the main clause.

Example sentence: Who wrote this beautiful poem?