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though

SayTHOH/ðoʊ/UK/ðəʊ/

4 meanings of though

Practice

  1. 1
    despite (linking)conjunction
    Despite the fact that, although ('though it is risky, it is worth taking the chance'); also after a fronted phrase ('astute businessman though he was').

    Though she was tired, she finished the report.

    Small though it is, the garden is lovely.

    UsageDon't add but to the main clause. It can also follow a fronted word: small though it is, where although is not used.

    Similaralthough, while, whilst

  2. 2
    however (at end)adverb
    Despite that; however, usually at the end of a sentence or as an aside.

    The hotel was expensive. The view was worth it, though.

    She says she is fine. She looks pale, though.

    UsageUsually at the end of a sentence (too long, though) or between commas. In this use it does not start a sentence.

    Similarhowever, nevertheless, nonetheless, still

    Note

    A conjunction turned afterthought: the word that introduces a clause in the "although" sense here stands alone and points back at what was just said. It sits at the end of a sentence or between commas mid-clause, as in The Economist's "one thing that is true, though, is…"

    Checked 2 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

  3. 3
    indeedadverb
    Intensifier, 'indeed', usually in an echoing reply or exclamation ('Man, it's hot in here.': 'Isn't it, though?').

    When I said the goal was brilliant, he grinned and said, "Wasn't it, though?"

    "That concert was amazing." "Wasn't it, though? My ears are still ringing."

    UsageMostly tagged onto a negative question that echoes the last remark: isn't it, though? Keep it to speech and dialogue.

    Similarindeed

    Note

    Agreement turned up a notch: in "Isn't it, though?" the speaker concedes nothing and simply doubles the other person's point. It works as a marker of degree, and the contrast with the "however" adverb is telling: the "but" has drained out, leaving only emphasis.

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    even ifconjunctionarchaic
    If, even if, or that, followed by a verb in the subjunctive.

    Though all the world forsake me, I shall stay. (old use)

    And hee said vnto him, If they heare not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be perswaded, though one rose from the dead.
    1611, The Holy Bible, King James Version
    Note

    Here concession shades into condition, and the verb usually goes subjunctive: though the man die, though one rose from the dead, though your dreams be tossed. The 1611 Bible, Kipling in 1892 and Hammerstein's 1945 lyric all use it, so it survives in scripture, verse and song.

    Checked 2 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of though apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

This word comes from Middle English though, from Old Norse *þóh (later þó), which replaced the native Middle English thegh, from Old English þēah ("though, although, even if"). Both the Norse and English forms come from Proto-Germanic *þauh, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European roots, and it is related to German doch, Dutch doch, Danish dog, and Swedish dock.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 8 facts