though

1 of 2

conjunction

ˈt͟hō 

1

: in spite of the fact that : while

though they know the war is lost, they continue to fight

—Bruce Bliven †1977

2

: in spite of the possibility that : even if

though I may fail, I will try

though

2 of 2

adverb

: however, nevertheless

It's hard work. I enjoy it though

Synonyms

Conjunction

• albeit
• although
• altho
• as
• howbeit
• much as
• notwithstanding
• when
• whereas
• while
• whilst [chiefly British]

Adverb

• even so
• howbeit
• however
• nevertheless
• nonetheless
• notwithstanding
• still
• still and all
• withal
• yet

Examples of though in a Sentence

Conjunction

Though it was raining, we went hiking.

though it has no well-known actors in it, the movie has become the sleeper hit of the summer

Adverb

Even as late as 1492, all of North America, sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, New Guinea, and the Pacific islands, and most of Central and South America didn't have states and instead operated under simpler forms of societal organization (chiefdoms, tribes, and bands). Today, though, the whole world map is divided into states. —Jared M. Diamond, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 21, 2008

I'd have thought the guy'd remember me and my car …  . He didn't act like it though … —Dagoberto Gilb, The Magic of Blood, 1993

I know we didn't win—I was happy with how we played, though

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

In the last decade, though, Murakami’s warm embrace from the global market seems to have encouraged a certain maximalist tendency in his writing. —Bailey Trela, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024

My favorite thing about this bag, though, is the stretchy velcro waist belt which keeps the fit tight without binding around my torso. —The Editors, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024

Now, though, she’s embarked on a less commercial path to focus on the relationship between design and the natural world. —Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 18 Nov. 2024

Pare back the sentiment of it all though, and a truth remains — both parties are left with truly useless gifts. —Melinda Fakuade, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Conjunction and Adverb

Middle English, adverb & conjunction, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse thō nevertheless; akin to Old English thēah nevertheless, Old High German doh

First Known Use

Conjunction

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing though

• as though
• even though
• what though

Kids Definition

though

1 of 2 conjunction

(ˈ)t͟hō 

: in spite of the fact or possibility that

though it was raining, we went hiking

though

2 of 2 adverb

: however entry 2 sense 2, nevertheless

not for long, though