though

American  

[thoh] / ðoʊ /

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 byeven ).

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adverb

1. for all that; however.

idioms

1. as though, as if.

   It seems as though the place is deserted.

though British  

/ 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 if

   he looked as though he'd seen a ghost

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adverb

1. nevertheless; however

   he can't dance: he sings well, though

though More Idioms  

1. see as if (though).

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Commonly Confused

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.

Etymology

Origin of though

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

Explanation

Though is fine conjunction. It's no "but" or "however", though it is a useful word, when you want let a reader know that two ideas are opposing one another. There are two basic kinds of the so-called coordinating conjunctions: those that connect similar thoughts — for example, "and" — and those that disconnect similar thoughts — for instance, "but" and "however." Though fits into the second category. For example "Though Prince is considered 'older' by rock-star standards, his concerts put those of most kids half his age to shame." The "though" in that sentence gets its power from the comma at the midpoint, because that's where the two opposing ideas meet. The word Though at the beginning tells us to look for that comma.

Example Sentences

Eurozone industrial output rose unexpectedly in February, though production is likely to decline in the months ahead as higher energy prices, driven by the war in the Middle East, begin to weigh on the sector.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Most of the cases are still ongoing, though a handful have been dismissed.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

Since the financial crisis, though, stocks have benefited from a prolonged period of low interest rates, and technology has made basic stock and options investing like playing videogames.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

“The future is bleak for us,” he adds, even though his upbeat attitude and warm energy make you feel like you’ve known him for years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

She refused to answer to any form of “mother” or “mom” or “Mrs.,” forcing Janet and any friends she brought home to call her Star, though her name was actually Sharon.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• although
• even if
• even though
• yet