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the

1. ...because it has already been mentioned, is to be completely specified in the same sentence, or very shortly thereafter.
   • I’m reading the book Mary reviewed. (Compare I’m reading a book Mary reviewed.)
2. Used before a noun designating something 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.
3. 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.
4. Used before a body part, a family member, a pet (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.”)
5. (colloquial) Precedes a familiar nickname or other term of address.
   • How's the Sal today?
6. Used in many idiomatic expressions and proverbs to refer to common objects, roles, or situations connected with something definite, in the manner of an analogy.
   • square the circle; feel the pinch; beat around the bush; throw the baby out with the bathwater

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