dismissal , esp from employment ; the sack (esp in the phrase get the axe )
the ba'
a game somewhat like rugby played in Orkney at Christmas and New Year between two very large teams of players
the bad
those who are wicked
the box
television
the boy
the right tool for a particular task
the dry
the dry season
the end
the worst , esp something that goes beyond the limits of endurance
the Fed
the Federal Reserve Bank or Federal Reserve Board
the few
a small number of people considered as a class
the flu
→ short for influenza
the Hub
→ Boston , Mass.
the hut
(on a sheep or cattle station) accommodation for the shearers , stockmen , etc
the Ice
Antarctica
the law
the legal or judicial system
the lot
the entire amount or number
the man
a person or group asserting authority or power over another, esp. in a manner experienced as being oppressive , demeaning, or threatening , as an employer, the police, or a dominating racial group
the Med
the Mediterranean region
the nod
the award of a contest to a competitor on the basis of points scored
the one
(in Neo-Platonic philosophy ) the ultimate being
the pen
writing as an occupation
the pit
hell
the pox
→ an informal name for syphilis
the Raj
the British government in India before 1947
the Ram
the constellation Aries , the first sign of the zodiac
the raw
a sensitive point
the rub
an obstacle or difficulty (esp in the phrase there's the rub )
the sea
the mass of salt water on the earth's surface as differentiated from the land
the Son
Jesus Christ , as the second person of the Trinity
the vag
the Vagrancy Act
the way
so that
the web
( as modifier )
the wet
(in northern and central Australia) the rainy season
none the
You use none the to say that someone or something does not have any more of a particular quality than they did before.
the above
something that is above or previously mentioned
the Alamo
a mission in San Antonio, Texas , the site of a siege and massacre in 1836 by Mexican forces under Santa Anna of a handful of American rebels fighting for Texan independence from Mexico
the Amish
the Amish people
the Apple
→ Big Apple
the arts
imaginative , creative , and nonscientific branches of knowledge considered collectively, esp as studied academically
the Ashes
a cremated cricket stump in a pottery urn now preserved at Lord's. Victory or defeat in test matches between England and Australia is referred to as winning , losing , or retaining the Ashes
the atom
nuclear energy
the Axis
the alliance of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Japan , established in 1936 and lasting until their defeat in World War II
the Backs
the grounds between the River Cam and certain Cambridge colleges
the Bard
an epithet of William Shakespeare
the bass
the lowest part in a piece of harmony
the Bear
the constellation Ursa Major or Ursa Minor
the Beeb
→ an informal name for BBC
the bells
the ringing of bells , in a church or other public building , at midnight on December 31st, symbolizing the beginning of a new year
the bench
a judge or magistrate sitting in court in a judicial capacity
the
language note: The is the definite article. It is used at the beginning of noun groups. The is usually pronounced (ðə) before a consonant and (ði) before a vowel, but pronounced (ðiː) when you are emphasizing it.
1. determiner
You use the at the beginning of noun groups to refer to someone or something that you have already mentioned or identified.
We both got up and, ignoring the waiter, made our way to the buffet.
Six of the 38 people were Russian citizens.
2. determiner
You use the at the beginning of a noun group when the first noun is followed by an 'of' phraseor a clause which identifies the person or thing.
There has been a slight increase in the consumption of meat.
Of the 9,660 cases processed last year, only 10 per cent were totally rejected.
3. determiner
You use the in front of some nouns that refer to something in our general experience of the world.
It's always hard to speculate about the future.
Amy sat outside in the sun.
He lay in the darkness, pretending to sleep.
4. determiner
You use the in front of nouns that refer to people, things, services, or institutions that are associated with everyday life.
The doctor's on his way.
Who was that on the phone?
You're old enough to travel on the train by yourself.
They have a generator when the electricity fails.
Four executive journalists were detained for questioning by the police today.
He took a bottle of milk from the fridge.
5. determiner
You use the instead of a possessive determiner, especially when you are talking about a part of someone's body or a member of their family.
'How's the family?'—'Just fine, thank you.'
I patted him on the head.
She took Gill by the hand.
6. determiner
You use the in front of a singular noun when you want to make a general statement about things or people of that type.
The mobile phone has become integral to most people's lives.
After dogs, the horse has had the closest relationship with man.
7. determiner
You use the with the name of a musical instrument when you are talking about someone's abilityto play the instrument.
Did you play the piano as a child?
She was trying to teach him to play the guitar.
8. determiner
You use the with nationality adjectives and nouns to talk about the people who live in a country.
Shiatsu works by stimulating the body's vital energy flow (termed "chi" by the Chinese).
9. determiner
You use the with words such as 'rich', 'poor', or 'unemployed' to refer to all people of a particular type.
Conditions for the poor in the city have not improved.
...support for the unemployed.
10. determiner
If you want to refer to a whole family or to a married couple, you can make their surname into a plural and use the in front of it.
...a 400 acre farm owned by the Allens.
The Taylors decided that they would employ an architect to do the work.
11. determiner
You use the in front of an adjective when you are referring to a particular thing that is described by that adjective.
He knows he's wishing for the impossible.
I thought you might like to read the enclosed.
12. determiner
You use the to indicate that you have enough of the thing mentioned for a particular purpose.
She may not have the money to maintain or restore her property.
We must have the patience to continue to work until we will find a peaceful solution.
Carl couldn't even raise the energy for a smile.
13. determiner
You use the with some titles, place names, and other names.
The company was alleged to have leaked the news to the Daily Mail.
...the Albert Hall.
The King has already agreed that the President of the Nepal Congress should be thePrime Minister.
14. determiner
You use the in front of numbers such as first, second, and third.
The meeting should take place on the fifth of May.
Marco Polo is said to have sailed on the Pacific on his way to Java in the thirteenthcentury.
It was now running a full service for the first time in five weeks.
15. determiner
You use the in front of numbers when they refer to decades.
It's sometimes hard to imagine how bad things were in the thirties.
16. determiner
You use the in front of superlative adjectives and adverbs.
Brisk daily walks are still the best exercise for young and old alike.
If we can win the Champions League, he will be one of the happiest people in theworld.
This engine uses all the most modern technology.
The third girl answered the most audibly.
17. determiner
You use the in front of each of two comparative adjectives or adverbs when you are describinghow one amount or quality changes in relation to another.
The longer you have been in shape in the past, the quicker you will regain fitnessin future.
The more confidence you build up in yourself, the greater are your chances of success.
18. determiner
When you express rates, prices, and measurements, you can use the to say how many units apply to each of the items being measured.
Cars do fewer miles to the litre on LPG fuel.
Some analysts predicted that the exchange rate would soon be $2 to the pound.
19. determiner
You use the to indicate that something or someone is the most famous, important, or best thing of its kind. In spoken English, you put more stress on it, and in written English, you often underline it or write it in capitals or italics.
Camden Market is the place to be on a Saturday or Sunday.
'Olympia is in America, where K Records was founded.'—'No! Surely you don't meanTHE K Records?'
English Easy Learning GrammarComparisonThe comparative form of an adjective is commonly used to compare two people, things,or states, when you want to say that one thing has a larger or smaller ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarDeterminersDeterminers are words that make the reference of nouns more specific. If I say ‘thiscar’ it is clear that I mean a particular car which is near me. If ... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarNoun phrases with several determinersMost noun phrases contain only one determiner or none at all, but if there are more,they follow a definite order. Determiners can be divided into four ... Read more
the in British English1
( stressed or emphatic ðiː, unstressed before a consonant ðə, unstressed before a vowel ðɪ)
determiner(article)
1.
used preceding a noun that has been previously specified
the pain should disappear soon
the man then opened the door
Compare a1
2.
used with a qualifying word or phrase to indicate a particular person, object, etc, as distinct from others
ask the man standing outside
give me the blue one
Compare a1
3.
used preceding certain nouns associated with one's culture, society, or community
to go to the doctor
listen to the news
watch the television
4.
used preceding present participles and adjectives when they function as nouns
the singing is awful
the dead salute you
5.
used preceding titles and certain uniquely specific or proper nouns, such as place names
the United States
the Honourable Edward Brown
the Chairman
the moon
6.
used preceding a qualifying adjective or noun in certain names or titles
William the Conqueror
Edward the First
7.
used preceding a noun to make it refer to its class generically
the white seal is hunted for its fur
this is good for the throat
to play the piano
8.
used instead of my, your, her, etc, with parts of the body
take me by the hand
9. (usually stressed)
the best, only, or most remarkable
Harry's is the club in this town
10.
used with proper nouns when qualified
written by the young Hardy
11.
another word for per, esp with nouns or noun phrases of cost
fifty pence the pound
12. often facetious or derogatory
my; our
the wife goes out on Thursdays
13.
used preceding a unit of time in phrases or titles indicating an outstanding person, event, etc
match of the day
player of the year
Word origin
Middle English, from Old English thē, a demonstrative adjective that later superseded sē (masculine singular) and sēo, sio (feminine singular); related to Old Frisian thi, thiu, Old High German der, diu
the in British English2
(ðə, ðɪ)
adverb
1. (often foll by for)
used before comparative adjectives or adverbs for emphasis
she looks the happier for her trip
2.
used correlatively before each of two comparative adjectives or adverbs to indicateequality
the sooner you come, the better
the more I see you, the more I love you
Word origin
Old English thī, thӯ, instrumental case of the1 and that; related to Old Norse thī, Gothic thei
the- in British English
combining form
a variant of theo-
theo- in British English
or before a vowel the-
combining form
indicating God or gods
theology
Word origin
from Greek theos god
the in American English
(ðə; before vowels ði; ðɪ)
adjective, definite article
1. referring to a particular person, thing, or group (as opposed to a, an), as:
a.
that (one) being spoken of or already mentioned
the story ended
b.
that (one) which is present, close, nearby, etc., as distinguished from all others viewed as remote
the day just started, the heat is oppressive
c.
that (one) designated or identified, as by a title
the President (of the U.S.), the Mississippi (River)
d.
that (one) considered outstanding, most fashionable, etc.
usually italicized in print
that's the restaurant in town
e.
that (one) belonging to a person previously mentioned or understood
take me by the hand, rub into the face
f.
one specified period of time, esp. a decade
the Dark Ages, the seventies
g. Informal
that (one) who has a specific family relationship to one
the wife, the kid sister
2. referring to that one of a number of persons or things which is identified by a modifier,as by:
a.
an attributive adjective
the front door
b.
a relative clause
the man who answered
c.
a prepositional phrase
the hit of the week
d.
an infinitive phrase
the right to strike
e.
a participle
follow the directions given
3. referring to a person or thing considered generically or universally, as:
a.
one taken as the representative of the entire genus or type
learn to use the typewriter, the cow is a domestic animal
b.
an adjective used as a noun
the good, the beautiful, the true
adverb
4.
that much; to that extent
the better to see you with
5.
by how much . . . by that much; to what extent . . . to that extent
used in a correlative construction expressing comparison
the sooner the better
preposition
6.
to each; in each; for each; per
at five dollars the half ton
Word origin
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, orencountered” in distinction to a2, an1
Examples of 'the' in a sentence
the
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…
Or rather the comparative lack of it.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Continue baking and rolling the brandy snaps until all the mixture is used.
The Sun (2016)
So the collection is above your average high street price but not anywhere near international designer prices.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The brands could use alternatives, but plastic is cheap.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Simply add two numbers that are next to each other, and write the numbers above them.
The Sun (2016)
The intention is that at least 50 per cent of the newly discovered natural gas will be exported.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
That is how one maintains and enhances a competitive edge, the comparative advantages and the productive capacity of an economy.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
This is a unique opportunity, and why a successful trade deal should be at the front of the diplomatic queue for both governments.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
These relative opportunity costs are the basis of the definition of comparative advantage.
Maurice D. Levi International Finance: The markets and financial management of multinational business. (1983)
It did not provide comparative figures for the same quarter of last year.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Did you use the fee for something special?
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
On the other hand, death is at the front of his mind.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
For the right, the army existed above all to defend their social and economic interests.
Paul Preston The Spanish Civil War: Reaction, Revolution and Revenge
Although a few people have moved back, it is too close to the front for safety.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
As you can see, anxiety reactions in the above context are essential to our survival.
MacEoin, Beth Healthy By Nature (1994)
The comparative disadvantage of these countries in production of labour-intensive manufactures was pronounced and pervasive.
Forstner, Helmut, Ballance, Robert Competing in a Global Economy (1990)
But they will have to ask their teachers for the school's comparative figures.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
A framed photograph stood at the front of the church.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
A couple of the terms used in the above letter may be confusing.
Tondeur, Keith Say Goodbye to Debt (1994)
For many young people in inner cities, there is no alternative to the comparative safety of gang life.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There is only one way to go about doing that, and that is to practise in front of the mirror by yourself.
Hambly, Dr Kenneth Banish Anxiety - how to stop worrying and take charge of your life (1991)
The amino acids are called "the building blocks of life' because the body uses them to rebuild and repair its tissues and organs.
Colette Harris, With Theresa Cheung PCOS DIET BOOK: How you can use the nutritional approach to deal with polycysticovary syndrome (2002)
The French use the tag "pays' in the same way.
Joanna Blythman SHOPPED: The Shocking Power of British Supermarkets (2004)
Her tall figure was framed in the rectangle of the front door, the two side windows with their stained glass contributing to a triptych effect.
Aldiss, Brian Somewhere East of Life (1994)
If you're picky about where you sit, pay your way to the front of the queue.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The others in the group should help the interviewee prepare herself for any difficult questions (see the above exercise).
Lindenfield, Gael 50 Ways to Become a Self-Confident Woman (1989)
The sources mentioned above are just as good if you want to spend 500 - some young artists are more expensive than others.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
I should have ordered the- ' `Now don't feel guilty about that!
St. James, Ian FINAL RESORT
In other languages
the
British English: the /ðə, ðiː/ DETERMINER
referring to a specific person or thing You use the before a noun when it is clear which person or thing you are talking about.
It's always hard to think about the future.
American English: the
Arabic: ال...
Brazilian Portuguese: o/os
Chinese: 这
Croatian: taj
Czech: ten
Danish: den
Dutch: de
European Spanish: el
Finnish: NO TRANSLATION
French: le
German: der
Greek: ο
Italian: il
Japanese: その
Korean: 그
Norwegian: den
Polish: rodzajnik określony, nie tłumaczy się na język polski
European Portuguese: o/os
Romanian: -ul
Russian: этот
Latin American Spanish: el
Swedish: den
Thai: คำนำหน้านามชี้เฉพาะ
Turkish: no translation
Ukrainian: означений артикль
Vietnamese: đó
British English: the /ðə, ðiː/ DETERMINER
with singular noun referring to things of that type generally You use the before a noun to talk about things of that type in general.
The computer has developed very quickly in recent years.
American English: the
Arabic: ...ال
Brazilian Portuguese: o, os
Chinese: 用于名词前表示代指同一类事物
Croatian: taj
Czech: to
Danish: dennone needed in Danish
Dutch: de (het)
European Spanish: el
Finnish: määräinen artikkeli
French: le
German: der
Greek: το
Italian: il, lo, la, i, gli, le
Japanese: 一般的な物について話すときに使われる
Korean: 일반적인 것
Norwegian: den
Polish: rodzajnik określony, nie tłumaczy się na język polski
European Portuguese: o
Romanian: -ul
Russian: (определенный артикль)
Latin American Spanish: el
Swedish: den
Thai: สิ่งนั้น
Turkish: n/a
Ukrainian: означений артикль
Vietnamese: này
Translate your text for free
Chinese translation of 'the'
the
(ðiː; ðə)
def art
定冠词，用于指代已知的人或物
the man/girl/house/book男人/女孩/房子/书(書) (nánrén/nǚhái/fángzi/shū)
the men/women/houses/books男人/女人/房子/书(書) (nánrén/nǚrén/fángzi/shū)
the yellow dress, not the green one那件黄(黃)色的衣服，不是绿(綠)色的 (nà jiàn huángsè de yīfu, bùshì lǜsè de)
the Germans and the French德国(國)人和法国(國)人 (Déguórén hé Fǎguórén)
the history of France法国(國)史 (Fǎguóshǐ)
I haven't the time/money我没(沒)钱(錢)/时(時)间(間) (wǒ méi qián/shíjiān)
the best solution最好的解决(決)方案 (zuìhǎo de jiějué fāng'àn)
to play the piano/violin弹(彈)钢(鋼)琴/拉小提琴 (tán gāngqín/lā xiǎotíqín)
the age of the computer计(計)算机(機)时(時)代 (jìsuànjī shídài)
I got it from the teacher我从(從)老师(師)那儿(兒)得来(來)的 (wǒ cóng lǎoshī nàr délái de)
I'm going to the butcher's/the cinema我要去肉店/电(電)影院 (wǒ yào qù ròudiàn/diànyǐngyuàn)
can you give it to the nurse?你能把它交给(給)那位护(護)士吗(嗎)？ (nǐ néng bǎ tā jiāo gěi nà wèi hùshì ma?)
(adjective forming uncount noun) 用于形容词前表示不可数的一类物
(forming plural noun) 用于形容词前构成复数，表示一类人或物
to attempt the impossible尝(嘗)试(試)不可能的事 (chángshì bù kěnéng de shì)
the rich and the poor穷(窮)人和富人 (qióngrén hé fùrén)
(in dates, decades) 表示具体时间
the fifth of March3月5日 (sānyuè wǔ rì)
the nineties90年代 (jiǔshí niándài)
(in titles) 用于称谓中
Elizabeth the First伊丽(麗)莎白一世 (Yīlìshābái Yīshì)
Peter the Great彼得大帝 (Bǐdé Dàdì)
(in comparisons)
the faster he works, the more mistakes he makes他工作得越快，犯的错(錯)误(誤)就越多 (tā gōngzuò de yuè kuài, fàn de cuòwù jiù yuè duō)
the more I look at it the less I like it我越看越不喜欢(歡) (wǒ yuè kàn yuè bù xǐhuan)
two dollars to the pound两(兩)美元兑(兌)换(換)一英镑(鎊) (liǎng měiyuán duìhuàn yī yīngbàng)