THE (3)

The, adv. [[AS. ðē, ðȳ, instrumental case of sē, seó, ðæt, the definite article. See 2d The.]] By that; by how much; by so much; on that account; — used before comparatives; as, the longer we continue in sin, the more difficult it is to reform. “Yet not the more cease I.” Milton. So much the rather thou, Celestial Light, Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers Irradiate. Milton.