Real Dictionary

the
determiner: You use the at the beginning of noun groups to refer to someone or something that you have already mentioned or identified.

the in American English
that (one) being spoken of or already mentioned

the in American English 1
(used, esp. before a noun, with a specifying or particularizing effect, as opposed to the indefinite or generalizing force of the indefinite article a or an)

the in American English 2
adverb: (used to modify an adjective or adverb in the comparative degree and to signify “in or by that,” “on that account,” “in or by so much,” or “in some or any degree”)

the in British English 1
used preceding a noun that has been previously specified

the in British English 2
adverb: used before comparative adjectives or adverbs for emphasis

the- in American English
combining form

the- in British English
combining form
combining form: indicating God or gods