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 ).

---

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

---

adverb

1. nevertheless; however

   he can't dance: he sings well, though

though More Idioms  

1. see as if (though).

---

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

Even though carrying Starship along for the journey would add complexity and cost, the shorter mission timeline could significantly lower overall operational expenses.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

The investment giant Andreessen Horowitz tried to build out its own media arm, called Future, a few years ago, though it isn’t currently active.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

And though pricing deals could help lower costs, agreements unveiled so far have been narrow.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

That’s not the primary benefit to those two parcel shippers, though.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 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

Related Words

• although
• even if
• even though
• yet