though
Americanconjunction
-
(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.
-
even if; granting that (often preceded byeven ).
adverb
idioms
conjunction
-
(sometimes preceded by even) despite the fact that
though he tries hard, he always fails
poor though she is, her life is happy
-
as if
he looked as though he'd seen a ghost
adverb
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"I'm letting him go proudly. I accept it sincerely, even though it is not what I had hoped as a parent," Zulmi's father Iskandarudin told reporters after the funeral.
From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026
Difficult as it is, though, Slot must find a way to rally his players before kick-off in Paris on Wednesday evening.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
Converts, though, face the greatest risk, according to Open Doors.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
One problem, though: Untreated rubber becomes brittle when exposed to cold, and tacky and runny when hot.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
The old me wants to argue with him, make excuses for why his interpretation is wrong, even though he’s exactly right.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.