though

[ thoh ]

conjunction

1. (used in introducing a subordinate clause, which is often marked by ellipsis) notwithstanding that; in spite of the fact that; although:

   Though he tried very hard, he failed the course.

2. even if; granting that (often preceded by even ).

adverb

1. for all that; however.

though

/ ðəʊ /

conjunction

1. sometimes preceded by even despite the fact that

   though he tries hard, he always fails

   poor though she is, her life is happy

2. as though
   as if

   he looked as though he'd seen a ghost

adverb

1. nevertheless; however

   he can't dance: he sings well, though

Confusables Note

Among some conservatives there is a traditional objection to the use of though in place of although as a conjunction. However, the latter (earlier all though ) was originally an emphatic form of the former, and there is nothing in contemporary English usage to justify such a distinction.

Word History and Origins

Origin of though¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English thoh, from Old Norse thō; replacing Old English thēah; cognate with German doch, Gothic thauh

Word History and Origins

Origin of though¹

Old English theah; related to Old Frisian thāch, Old Saxon, Old High German thōh, Old Norse thō

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. as though, as if:

   It seems as though the place is deserted.

More idioms and phrases containing though

see as if (though) .

Example Sentences

It was The Onion's bid that prevailed, though it declined to tell news outlets how much it paid.

From Salon

To be clear, though, it’s not exactly a full-fledged department, or a government agency at all.

From Slate

You can’t blame the guy for getting excited, though.

From Slate

Former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has said there was "much to welcome" in Reeves' suggested reforms, though shadow chancellor Mel Stride has added that Conservatives will be "looking closely at the detail".

From BBC

This could renew pressure around vice chancellors pay, even though it is a tiny fraction of the spending of universities with a turnover of £500m or more.

From BBC

Related Words

• although
• even if
• even though
• yet