British English : the ðə, ðiː You use the before a noun to talk about things of that type in general.The computer has developed very quickly in recent years. DETERMINERwith singular noun referring to things of that type generally
determiner (article)
used preceding a noun that has been previously specified ⇒ the pain should disappear soon , the man then opened the door Compare a1
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
used preceding certain nouns associated with one's culture, society, or community ⇒ to go to the doctor , listen to the news , watch the television
used preceding present participles and adjectives when they function as nouns ⇒ the singing is awful , the dead salute you
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
used preceding a qualifying adjective or noun in certain names or titles ⇒ William the Conqueror , Edward the First
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
used instead of my, your, her, etc, with parts of the body ⇒ take me by the hand
(usually stressed) the best, only, or most remarkable ⇒ Harry's is the club in this town
used with proper nouns when qualified ⇒ written by the young Hardy
another word for per, esp with nouns or noun phrases of cost ⇒ fifty pence the pound
(often facetious (or derogatory ) my; our ⇒ the wife goes out on Thursdays
used preceding a unit of time in phrases or titles indicating an outstanding person, event, etc ⇒ match of the day , player of the year
adverb
(often followed by for) used before comparative adjectives or adverbs for emphasis ⇒ she looks the happier for her trip
used correlatively before each of two comparative adjectives or adverbs to indicate equality ⇒ the sooner you come, the better , the more I see you, the more I love you