The Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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the

[ðə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

indefinite article

used to point forward to a following qualifying or defining clause or phrase.

Examples of usage

I'm going to the store.
He is the man I was talking about.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

used before a comparative to introduce the second element in a comparison.

used with comparative adjectives to introduce a comparison.

Examples of usage

The more you practice, the better you will get.
The sooner, the better.

^{Context #3 | Pronoun}

referring to a specific thing previously mentioned or easily identified.

used to refer to a specific person or thing that has already been mentioned or is known.

Examples of usage

I saw a cat. The cat was black.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'the'

The word 'the' originated from Old English 'þē', which was the accusative form of 'se', meaning 'the'. It has been used in English for centuries and is one of the most commonly used words in the language. 'The' is essential for specifying a particular thing or person and is a fundamental part of English grammar.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #1, this is one of the most fundamental words in English. It's absolutely essential to master this word as it forms the backbone of English communication and appears in almost every conversation or text.

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