English Dictionary

the

/ˈðiː/

article

Definite grammatical article that implies necessarily that an entity it hints at is presupposed; something already mentioned, or completely specified later in that same sentence, or assumed already completely specified.

The cat is sleeping on the mat.

意味（1）

Definite grammatical article that implies necessarily that an entity it hints at is presupposed; something already mentioned, or completely specified later in that same sentence, or assumed already completely specified.

I’m reading the book. (Compare I’m reading a book.)

意味（2）

Used before a noun modified by a restrictive relative clause, indicating that the noun refers to a single referent defined by the relative clause.

The street that runs through my hometown.

意味（3）

Used before an object considered to be unique, or of which there is only one at a time.

No one knows how many galaxies there are in the universe.

意味（4）

Used before a superlative or an ordinal number modifying a noun, to indicate that the noun refers to a single item.

That was the best apple pie ever.

意味（5）

Added to a superlative or an ordinal number to make it into a substantive.

That apple pie was the best.

意味（6）

Introducing a singular term to be taken generically: preceding a name of something standing for a whole class.

Stern and God-fearing, the Afrikaner takes his religion seriously.

意味（7）

Used before an adjective, indicating all things (especially persons) described by that adjective.

Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable.

意味（8）

Used to indicate a certain example of (a noun) which is usually of most concern or most common or familiar.

No one in the whole country had seen it before.

意味（9）

Used before a body part (especially of someone previously mentioned), as an alternative to a possessive pronoun.

A stone hit him on the head. (= “A stone hit him on his head.”)

意味（10）

When stressed, indicates that it describes an object which is considered to be best or exclusively worthy of attention.

That is the hospital to go to for heart surgery.