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

ˈt͟hō 

: 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

Example Sentences

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The bigger through-line of the evening, though, was a nearly overwhelming display of gratitude. —Travis M. Andrews, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2023

Ironically, though, that slowdown in growth could help the Fed, which has had only limited success in trying to cool the economy through its rate hikes. —Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2023

The restaurants and bars are the real draw, though. —Sam Dangremond, Town & Country, 20 Mar. 2023

Thankfully, though, the northern end of the block-long proposal steps down to 14 stories. —John King, San Francisco Chronicle, 20 Mar. 2023

The economic recovery remains exceedingly delicate, though, as this month’s bank failures illustrated. —Mike Rogoway | [e-mail], oregonlive, 19 Mar. 2023

There are still some drawbacks to these drugs, though. —Gagandeep Brar, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2023

At its best, though, Friday’s show complicated the emotional unbottling involved in the performance of a great pop song. —Mikael Wood, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Mar. 2023

The imperative to remember is not simply about laying blame, though. —Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2023

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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

• 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