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

It wasn’t one party or the other but the Carter-Reagan duo that rescued the economy, though honorable mention is due Ford advisers who first hatched deregulation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Israeli forces said they had pulled back to an agreed position within the territory - though troops still occupy half of the Strip.

Read more on BBC

It’s still figuring out what it wants to be when it grows up, though.

Read more on Barron's

“Ultimately, though potentially painful, it will be a very good thing, in the end, for the U.S. A.”

Read more on Barron's

And though Lululemon was still a top brand, it lost some popularity among upper income girls who say they’re trying other activewear brands.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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