the

the · article

imported

Definitions

article

  1. 1.

    The definite article, used before a noun to indicate that the identity of the noun is known to the reader or listener.

  2. 2.

    Used to refer to something unique or specific.

  3. 3.

    Used with comparatives to indicate proportional relationship.

  4. 4.

    Used to make a generalization about a class of things.

  5. 5.

    Used with adjectives to create noun phrases referring to a group.

Related words

Antonyms: a, an
See also: a, an, this

Etymology

From Old English "se" (masculine), "seo" (feminine), and "thaet" (neuter), the original demonstrative pronouns that evolved into the definite article. The current form "the" developed in Middle English, representing a weakened form of these demonstratives. "The" is the most common word in the English language.