the Hear it!

the Definition

the (t̸hə; before vowels t̸hē, t̸hi)

adjective,

Etymology: ME, indeclinable article < OE se (nom. masc. article) with th- < other case & gender forms (thone, thæs, thære, thæm, thy): for IE base see that; the meaning is controlled by the basic notion “previously recognized, noticed, or encountered” in distinction to a, an

adverb

  1. that much; to that extent the better to see you with
  2. by how much . . . by that much; to what extent . . . to that extent: used in a correlative construction expressing comparison the sooner the better

to each; in each; for each; per at five dollars the half ton

the Synonyms

the

modif.

  1. The definite article

    some, a few, a particular one, a special one, a specific one, a certain one, an individual one, this, that, each, every, these, those, the whole, the entire.

  2. Special or unique; often italics

    preeminent, outstanding, particular, unparalleled, unequaled, supreme, unsurpassed, unusual, uncommon, rare, singular, unprecedented, exceptional, one, sole, single, significant, distinguished, especial, specific, choice, individual, peculiar, exceptional, occasional, unfamiliar, strange, spectacular, phenomenal, unheard of, unknown, unattainable, invincible, impregnable, almighty, all-powerful; see also special 1, unique 1.

    Antonyms common*, usual*, ordinary.