The meaning of the is —used as a function word to indicate that a following noun or noun equivalent is definite or has been previously specified by context or by circumstance.. Learn whether to pronounce 'the' or 'thee' and 'an' or un'.
Learn this and more in our guide to the word the.. The is usually pronounced (ðə ) before a consonant and (ði ) before a vowel, but pronounced (ði ) when you are.