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

Though he faded from the media scene in his later years, Turner never lost affection for the properties he created.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Though office vacancy in San Francisco was at 34.4%, more space was leased than vacated for the first time since 2019, according to the San Francisco Standard.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Though the pistachio filling and flavor craze has just taken off in the past few years, “viral” food trends like these are really decades in the making.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

Though the number is symbolic, it is a significant feat: It’s a lot of miles and reflects that hundreds of thousands of Tesla owners let FSD drive their cars every day.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

Though he was too big to hold my hand, Lloyd had me in a grip.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

Related Words

• although
• even if
• even though
• yet