Word
though
US/ˈðoʊ/
UK/ðˈəʊ/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01despite the fact that
B1 · Intermediate
conj. used to connect two ideas when the second one makes the first one surprising.
conj. introduces a subordinate clause of concession, indicating that the following fact does not prevent the main statement from being true.
“Though it was very cold outside, she decided to go for a run.”
“Though the initial results were promising, the research team cautioned against drawing any definitive conclusions before the final phase of testing was complete.”
Pitfall
Though it was raining, but we went for a walk.
Though it was raining, we went for a walk.
Do not use 'but' in the same sentence as 'though' or 'although' to show the same contrast.
02however
B1 · Intermediate Informal
adv. used at the end of a sentence to show that what you just said contrasts with something else.
adv. functions as a conjunctive adverb to indicate a contrast with a previous statement; typically placed at the end of a clause in spoken English.
“The food was expensive. It was delicious, though.”
“The commute is significantly longer than I expected; the salary and benefits package makes the position worth considering, though.”
Usage
In spoken English, this adverb almost always appears at the very end of the sentence.
Synonyms
03emphasis
C1 · Advanced Informal
adv. used in questions or statements to add emphasis or show you are surprised.
adv. used as an intensifier in interrogative or exclamatory contexts to express surprise or to seek confirmation.
“How did you manage to finish all that work so quickly, though?”
“It is a remarkable achievement by any standard, but how will they sustain such growth in the long term, though?”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “though” in context.
Verb
01. seemed though he knew
“It seemed though he knew the answer already, even before I finished the question.”
verb + that-clause
02. sounded though it was
“It sounded though it was raining heavily outside, but the sun was actually shining.”
verb + that-clause
Adverb
03. even though he tried
“He couldn't finish the marathon even though he tried his very best.”
adv + verb
04. even though it rained
“We went for a long walk in the park even though it rained all afternoon.”
adv + verb
05. even though she felt
“She went to work even though she felt quite ill this morning.”
adv + verb
Etymology
From Middle English though, thogh, from Old Norse þóh (later þó). Superseded (in most dialects) Middle English thegh, from Old English þēah (“though, although, even if, that, however, nevertheless, yet, still; whether”). Both the Old Norse and Old English are from Proto-Germanic þauh (“though”), from Proto-Indo-European to-, suffixed with Proto-Germanic -hw < Proto-Indo-European *-kʷe (“and”). Akin to Scots tho (“though”), Saterland Frisian dach (“though”), West Frisian dôch, dochs (“though”), Dutch doch (“though”), German doch (“though”), Danish dog (“though, however”), Swedish dock (“however, still”), Icelandic þó (“though”). More at that.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
CONJUNCTION
Idioms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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