relative pronoun

American  

noun

1. one of the pronouns who, whom, which, what, their compounds with -ever or -soever, or that used as the subordinating word to introduce a subordinate clause, especially such a pronoun referring to an antecedent.

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Commonly Confused

See who.

Etymology

Origin of relative pronoun

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

The English language adds more physical weight and hard sound, with the audibility of the relative pronoun, "that", and the predominance of masculine line-endings contributory factors.

From The Guardian • Feb. 11, 2013

Which, antecedent of, 79. as adjective, 104, 105. as relative pronoun, 75. in indirect questions, 85. indefinite relative, 83. interrogative pronoun in direct questions, 72. syntax of, 295-299. whose, possessive of, 78.

From An English Grammar by Sewell, James Witt

When the word ever or soever is annexed to a relative pronoun, the combination is called a compound pronoun; as, whoever or whosoever, whichever or whichsoever, whatever or whatsoever.

From English Grammar in Familiar Lectures by Kirkham, Samuel

Who shall decide, and who need decide, to which Divine Person the relative pronoun ᾧ precisely attaches?

From Messages from the Epistle to the Hebrews by Moule, H. C. G. (Handley Carr Glyn)

The relative pronoun takes the case required by the clause it introduces, not the case required by any word preceding it.

From Practical Grammar and Composition by Wood, Thomas