than

¹than

conjunction \thən, ˈthan\

Definition of THAN

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

Origin of THAN

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

First Known Use: before 12th century