The spelling of the phrase "that which" can be a bit confusing. The "th" sound is a voiceless dental fricative, represented in IPA by the symbol /θ/. This sound occurs twice in the phrase, at the beginning of both words. The "t" sound in "that" is an unvoiced alveolar stop, represented by /t/. The "w" sound in "which" is a voiced bilabial glide, represented by /w/. Finally, the "ch" sound in "which" is a voiceless postalveolar affricate, represented by /tʃ/. Overall, the IPA transcription of the phrase is /ðæt ˈwɪtʃ/.
"That which" is a phrase used to describe something specific or a particular thing. It is an expression that is often used to refer to an unidentified or unnamed object or entity. "That" is a demonstrative pronoun that indicates a specific thing or idea, while "which" is a relative pronoun that introduces a subordinate clause.
In essence, "that which" is used to refer to something in a relative clause where the antecedent, or the noun being referred to, is not explicitly mentioned. This phrase is commonly employed to indicate a concept, object, or action that is being discussed or described in a vague or general manner.
The use of "that which" can often add a sense of formality or sophistication to a sentence. It allows for a more abstract or philosophical discussion, as it can encompass a wide range of possibilities without explicitly pinpointing any one thing. It encourages the listener or reader to contemplate the broader meaning or significance of the subject matter.
Overall, "that which" is a phrase that denotes something specific yet unnamed. It can be employed in various contexts, including literature, philosophy, and everyday conversation, to refer to a particular thing, idea, or concept that may be indefinite or elusive in nature.
The word "that" dates back to Middle English and Old English, deriving from the Proto-Germanic word "þat", meaning "that". The word "which" also has roots in Old English, originating from the Proto-Germanic word "hwilik", meaning "which" or "what".
When combined, "that which" functions as a phrase and dates back to Old English as well. It is used to introduce a relative clause, often indicating the thing or things being referred to. Over time, the phrase has become a fixed expression in English.