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How to Say Thorough: Pronunciation, Definition
Discover how to pronounce thorough, its meaning, origin, synonyms, and usage examples for better English mastery.



How to Pronounce Thorough
How to Pronounce "Thorough"
Start with the "th" sound: Place your tongue lightly between your teeth and blow a soft breath. This sound is like the beginning of "think."
Make the vowel sound: For the next sound, say a quick "uh" as in "cup." Keep your mouth relaxed, and make the sound short.
Finish with a subtle "ruh" sound: End the word with a very soft, almost whispered "ruh." This final sound does not have a strong "gh" like in "rough."
Practice slowly: Slowly blend these sounds together: "th" (as in "think"), then "uh," and finally a light "ruh." It should sound like /ˈθʌrə/.
Listen and repeat: Find a clear recording of the word and repeat it slowly. This will help your mouth get used to the quick transition between sounds.
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What Does Thorough Mean
Understanding "Thorough"
Basic Meaning: "Thorough" means doing something completely and carefully, without missing any parts or details.
Simple Explanation: When you do something in a "thorough" way, you check every part and make sure everything is done well.
Usage in Sentences:
"She did a thorough job cleaning her room" means she cleaned every corner and did not leave any spot dirty.
"The teacher gave a thorough explanation" suggests the teacher explained every part so that everyone could understand.
Why It Is Important: Being thorough is important because it helps you avoid mistakes and ensures that nothing is left out.
Similar Words: complete, detailed, exhaustive.
Understanding "Thorough"
Basic Meaning: "Thorough" means doing something completely and carefully, without missing any parts or details.
Simple Explanation: When you do something in a "thorough" way, you check every part and make sure everything is done well.
Usage in Sentences:
"She did a thorough job cleaning her room" means she cleaned every corner and did not leave any spot dirty.
"The teacher gave a thorough explanation" suggests the teacher explained every part so that everyone could understand.
Why It Is Important: Being thorough is important because it helps you avoid mistakes and ensures that nothing is left out.
Similar Words: complete, detailed, exhaustive.
The Origin of the Word Thorough
Origin of the Word Thorough
Old English Roots: The word "thorough" comes from the Old English word "þuruh" (spelled similarly to "through"), which originally meant "by or through" all parts.
Middle English Evolution: In Middle English, the word evolved with the spelling "thurgh" or "thorough." This evolution helped emphasize the idea of completeness, as if something is passed to every part from one side to the other.
Intensification of Meaning: Over time, the word began to be used not just to describe a physical passage, but also as an adjective meaning "complete" or "detailed." This expansion of meaning kept the idea of covering all parts or aspects.
Modern Usage: Today, when we say something is done "thoroughly," we mean that it is done with careful attention to every part, reflecting its historical sense of completeness and penetration.
Linguistic Connection: The structure and evolution of the word "thorough" show how language often builds on basic concepts like "through" to express more complex ideas such as intensity and totality.
Origin of the Word Thorough
Old English Roots: The word "thorough" comes from the Old English word "þuruh" (spelled similarly to "through"), which originally meant "by or through" all parts.
Middle English Evolution: In Middle English, the word evolved with the spelling "thurgh" or "thorough." This evolution helped emphasize the idea of completeness, as if something is passed to every part from one side to the other.
Intensification of Meaning: Over time, the word began to be used not just to describe a physical passage, but also as an adjective meaning "complete" or "detailed." This expansion of meaning kept the idea of covering all parts or aspects.
Modern Usage: Today, when we say something is done "thoroughly," we mean that it is done with careful attention to every part, reflecting its historical sense of completeness and penetration.
Linguistic Connection: The structure and evolution of the word "thorough" show how language often builds on basic concepts like "through" to express more complex ideas such as intensity and totality.
What to Say Instead Thorough
Comprehensive
Explanation: Implies covering all relevant aspects with no part left out.
Usage: "The report provided a comprehensive overview of the economic crisis, addressing every key factor."
Comprehensive
Explanation: Implies covering all relevant aspects with no part left out.
Usage: "The report provided a comprehensive overview of the economic crisis, addressing every key factor."
Exhaustive
Explanation: Suggests being extremely thorough by including every possible detail.
Usage: "The investigation was exhaustive, ensuring that every clue was followed."
Exhaustive
Explanation: Suggests being extremely thorough by including every possible detail.
Usage: "The investigation was exhaustive, ensuring that every clue was followed."
Meticulous
Explanation: Denotes extreme attention to detail, leaving nothing to chance.
Usage: "Her meticulous approach to editing resulted in a flawless manuscript."
Meticulous
Explanation: Denotes extreme attention to detail, leaving nothing to chance.
Usage: "Her meticulous approach to editing resulted in a flawless manuscript."
Detailed
Explanation: Refers to including many small pieces of information that add up to a complete picture.
Usage: "The guide provided a detailed explanation of every step in the process."
Detailed
Explanation: Refers to including many small pieces of information that add up to a complete picture.
Usage: "The guide provided a detailed explanation of every step in the process."
In-depth
Explanation: Indicates a profound and penetrating examination of a topic.
Usage: "The course offers an in-depth analysis of Shakespeare's plays."
In-depth
Explanation: Indicates a profound and penetrating examination of a topic.
Usage: "The course offers an in-depth analysis of Shakespeare's plays."
Complete
Explanation: Emphasizes that nothing is missing, making it fully thorough and whole.
Usage: "After months of research, they delivered a complete assessment of the environmental impact."
Complete
Explanation: Emphasizes that nothing is missing, making it fully thorough and whole.
Usage: "After months of research, they delivered a complete assessment of the environmental impact."
Common Phrases and Examples with Thorough
1. I did a thorough cleaning of my room before the guests arrived.
Explanation: Here, "thorough" means cleaning very well, leaving no spots untidy.
1. I did a thorough cleaning of my room before the guests arrived.
Explanation: Here, "thorough" means cleaning very well, leaving no spots untidy.
2. The teacher gave a thorough explanation of the new lesson.
Explanation: In this sentence, "thorough" shows that the explanation was clear and complete, covering every detail.
2. The teacher gave a thorough explanation of the new lesson.
Explanation: In this sentence, "thorough" shows that the explanation was clear and complete, covering every detail.
3. Before the exam, she made a thorough study of all the chapters.
Explanation: "Thorough" is used to describe a study that was deep and careful, without missing any parts of the subject.
3. Before the exam, she made a thorough study of all the chapters.
Explanation: "Thorough" is used to describe a study that was deep and careful, without missing any parts of the subject.
4. The detective conducted a thorough investigation of the crime scene.
Explanation: Here, "thorough" means the investigation was done with great care, checking every detail.
4. The detective conducted a thorough investigation of the crime scene.
Explanation: Here, "thorough" means the investigation was done with great care, checking every detail.
5. We need a thorough review of the document to find any mistakes.
Explanation: In this sentence, "thorough" indicates that the review should be detailed and complete.
5. We need a thorough review of the document to find any mistakes.
Explanation: In this sentence, "thorough" indicates that the review should be detailed and complete.
6. He gave his car a thorough maintenance check before the long trip.
Explanation: "Thorough" in this context means the maintenance check was done carefully and completely, ensuring everything works well.
6. He gave his car a thorough maintenance check before the long trip.
Explanation: "Thorough" in this context means the maintenance check was done carefully and completely, ensuring everything works well.

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