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 preferably3: other than4: when 1b —used especially after scarcely and hardly