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though

conj. · adv.
US //ˈðoʊ// UK //ðˈəʊ// though
  1. 1 despite the fact that (conj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to connect two ideas when the second one makes the first one surprising.

    introduces a subordinate clause of concession, indicating that the following fact does not prevent the main statement from being true.

    Example

    Though it was very cold outside, she decided to go for a run.

    Example

    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.

  2. 2 however (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    used at the end of a sentence to show that what you just said contrasts with something else.

    functions as a conjunctive adverb to indicate a contrast with a previous statement; typically placed at the end of a clause in spoken English.

    Example

    The food was expensive. It was delicious, though.

    Example

    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.
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  1. 3 emphasis (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    used in questions or statements to add emphasis or show you are surprised.

    used as an intensifier in interrogative or exclamatory contexts to express surprise or to seek confirmation.

    Example

    How did you manage to finish all that work so quickly, though?

    Example

    It is a remarkable achievement by any standard, but how will they sustain such growth in the long term, though?
Origin

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 Superseded (in most dialects) Middle English thegh, from Old English þēah (“though, although, even if, that, however, nevertheless, yet, still; whether”).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.

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