this, thus, such, verbal pause
斯 centers on pointing to or identifying something in a particular way: 'this', 'thus', or 'such'. The verbal pause sense is a grammatical extension of that pointing function, used to mark a transition or emphasis.
斯 combines 其 (a winnowing basket, later used as a demonstrative) and 斤 (an axe). The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character came to be used for its sound to represent demonstrative and grammatical functions.
Imagine pointing with an axe (斤) at a basket (其) and saying 'this one, thus, such as this' to identify it. The axe directs attention to the basket, just as 斯 points to something specific.
For シ, picture a person pointing at the basket and saying 'See? This one.' The word 'see' cues シ while the pointing action matches the kanji's meaning.
such
like this; such; thus; in this way
extract (of plants, meat, etc.); essence; concentrate; concentrated stock
this sort of; of this kind; of the sort; such
mousseline de laine; light woollen fabric; muslin de laine; delaine
Iceland
such; like this
even now
thus; in this way
so (e.g. so much, so close, so many, so few)
it must be like this
such and such; so and so
such and such; so and so
this academic subject
this academic subject or field of study; Confucian studies
this business; this profession
this field; this subject
this art or field of study
Nippon Gas
Sasanian Empire; Persia