the
The definite article, used before a noun to indicate that the thing referred to is specific or already known.
Definitions
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1
Used before a noun to refer to a specific, already-known or previously mentioned thing or person.
“Please close the door when you leave the room.”
Please close the door when you leave the room.
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2
Used to refer to something unique — there is only one of it.
“Scientists are studying the effects of heat on the atmosphere.”
Scientists are studying the effects of heat on the atmosphere.
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3
Used before a singular noun to represent an entire class or category.
“The dog is a loyal companion to humans around the world.”
The dog is a loyal companion to humans around the world.
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4
Used with a superlative adjective or a ranking ordinal.
“That was the best meal I have eaten in a long time.”
That was the best meal I have eaten in a long time.
Word forms
- Usage
- Unlike 'a/an' (the indefinite article), 'the' is used when both speaker and listener know which specific thing is meant. Pronounced /ðə/ before consonant sounds and /ðiː/ before vowel sounds.
Pronounced /ðə/ before consonant sounds (e.g., 'the cat') and /ðiː/ before vowel sounds (e.g., 'the apple'). It is the most frequently used word in the English language. Distinct from the indefinite articles 'a' and 'an', which refer to non-specific things.