Main Entry: ¹than

Pronunciation: \thən, ˈthan\

Function: conjunction

Etymology: Middle English than, then then, than — more at then

Date: before 12th century

1 a —used as a function word to indicate the second member or the member taken as the point of departure in a comparison expressive of inequality ; used with comparative adjectives and comparative adverbs <older than I am> <easier said than done> b —used as a function word to indicate difference of kind, manner, or identity ; used especially with some adjectives and adverbs that express diversity <anywhere else than at home>
2 : rather than —usually used only after prefer, preferable, and preferably
3 : other than
4 : when 1b —used especially after scarcely and hardly