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 byeven ).

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 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.

see as if (though).

Example Sentences

Ubaldini’s local success spent many years gaining steam though never quite taking off.

From Los Angeles Times

Bowser, though, is caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place.

From Salon

The third part of his legacy is far less obvious, though no less important.

From BBC

Canada will almost certainly face the losers, though if Australia are beaten, they still could be pipped by the United States.

From BBC

They’re supposed to expedite the deportation of the tens of thousands of people currently in detention camps and go through millions of backlogged cases even though few of them have experience with immigration law.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• although 
• even if www.thesaurus.com
• even though www.thesaurus.com
• yet