Fluently
Log in
How to Say Though: Pronunciation, Definition
Discover the pronunciation, meaning, origin, alternatives, and usage of though with practical examples and common phrases.
How to Pronounce Though
Pronouncing the word "Though"
Step 1: Start with the "th" sound. Put your tongue gently between your teeth and blow air. This is the same sound as in "think" or "thumb".
Step 2: Say the vowel sound "oh". Open your mouth a little and shape your lips into a small circle. The sound should be like the word "go" without the "g".
Step 3: End smoothly. Notice that the letters "gh" at the end are silent. They do not change the sound you just made.
Practice tip: Slowly say "th-oh". Make sure the "th" is clear and the "oh" is clean. Gradually increase your speed until it sounds like a single word: "though".
Comparison: Remember that "though" is pronounced differently from words like "through" or "thought". Focus only on the "th" sound followed by a long "oh" sound.
Practice with
AI tutor
Speaking practice on real-life topics: job interviews, meetings, sales, pitch calls—whatever you need
What Does Though Mean
Understanding the Word "Though"
Meaning: "Though" is a word used to show a contrast or an exception. It means something like "however" or "even if."
Usage in Sentences: You use "though" to connect two ideas when the second idea is unexpected or different from the first. For example: "I enjoyed the meal, though it was a bit salty."
Position in Sentence: "Though" can appear in the middle or at the end of a sentence. For instance, "Though it was raining, we went for a walk," or "We went for a walk, though it was raining."
Simple Example: If someone says, "I'm tired, though I will keep working," they mean "I am tired, but I will continue working."
Purpose: It helps you add extra information that shows a contrast or a surprising fact compared to what you expected.
Understanding the Word "Though"
Meaning: "Though" is a word used to show a contrast or an exception. It means something like "however" or "even if."
Usage in Sentences: You use "though" to connect two ideas when the second idea is unexpected or different from the first. For example: "I enjoyed the meal, though it was a bit salty."
Position in Sentence: "Though" can appear in the middle or at the end of a sentence. For instance, "Though it was raining, we went for a walk," or "We went for a walk, though it was raining."
Simple Example: If someone says, "I'm tired, though I will keep working," they mean "I am tired, but I will continue working."
Purpose: It helps you add extra information that shows a contrast or a surprising fact compared to what you expected.
The Origin of the Word Though
The Origin of the Word 'Though'
The word though has a long history in the English language. It comes from the Old English word þēah, which was used to mean "in spite of that" or "nevertheless". Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the word changed as the English language evolved.
Old English Roots: In Old English, þēah was used much like our modern word though to introduce a contrasting idea.
Spelling Evolution: The original character þ (called "thorn") eventually was replaced by the letter "th" as the writing system changed.
Pronunciation Changes: Over centuries, gradual shifts in sounds led to the pronunciation we use today. The pronunciation became simpler and more regular over time.
Modern Usage: Today, though is used as a conjunction and adverb to contrast ideas, similar in meaning to "however" or "even so".
The journey of though from Old English to modern English shows how languages can evolve through changes in society and culture. Its transformation in both form and use makes it a small but interesting example of how words adapt over time.
The Origin of the Word 'Though'
The word though has a long history in the English language. It comes from the Old English word þēah, which was used to mean "in spite of that" or "nevertheless". Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the word changed as the English language evolved.
Old English Roots: In Old English, þēah was used much like our modern word though to introduce a contrasting idea.
Spelling Evolution: The original character þ (called "thorn") eventually was replaced by the letter "th" as the writing system changed.
Pronunciation Changes: Over centuries, gradual shifts in sounds led to the pronunciation we use today. The pronunciation became simpler and more regular over time.
Modern Usage: Today, though is used as a conjunction and adverb to contrast ideas, similar in meaning to "however" or "even so".
The journey of though from Old English to modern English shows how languages can evolve through changes in society and culture. Its transformation in both form and use makes it a small but interesting example of how words adapt over time.
What to Say Instead Though
Although
Similarity: Both "although" and "though" are conjunctions used to introduce a contrast between two clauses.
Usage in Context: Use "although" in formal writing, e.g., "Although it was raining, we continued our picnic."
Although
Similarity: Both "although" and "though" are conjunctions used to introduce a contrast between two clauses.
Usage in Context: Use "although" in formal writing, e.g., "Although it was raining, we continued our picnic."
Even Though
Similarity: "Even though" is a stronger, more emphatic version of "though" that underscores the contradiction between clauses.
Usage in Context: It is ideal when stressing the unexpected contrast, e.g., "Even though she was exhausted, she completed the marathon."
Even Though
Similarity: "Even though" is a stronger, more emphatic version of "though" that underscores the contradiction between clauses.
Usage in Context: It is ideal when stressing the unexpected contrast, e.g., "Even though she was exhausted, she completed the marathon."
Albeit
Similarity: "Albeit" is a formal synonym for "though," used to introduce a concessive element in a sentence.
Usage in Context: Often found in formal or literary contexts, e.g., "The proposal was innovative, albeit a bit risky."
Albeit
Similarity: "Albeit" is a formal synonym for "though," used to introduce a concessive element in a sentence.
Usage in Context: Often found in formal or literary contexts, e.g., "The proposal was innovative, albeit a bit risky."
Nevertheless
Similarity: Although primarily an adverb, "nevertheless" serves a similar purpose as "though" by introducing a statement that contrasts with what has been mentioned.
Usage in Context: Use it to transition between contrasting ideas, e.g., "It was a challenging task; nevertheless, the team succeeded."
Nevertheless
Similarity: Although primarily an adverb, "nevertheless" serves a similar purpose as "though" by introducing a statement that contrasts with what has been mentioned.
Usage in Context: Use it to transition between contrasting ideas, e.g., "It was a challenging task; nevertheless, the team succeeded."
Nonetheless
Similarity: Like "nevertheless," "nonetheless" conveys a contrast or unexpected outcome and can often replace "though" in a sentence.
Usage in Context: It is used to introduce an opposing fact or idea, e.g., "The experiment yielded no significant data; nonetheless, the insights were valuable."
Nonetheless
Similarity: Like "nevertheless," "nonetheless" conveys a contrast or unexpected outcome and can often replace "though" in a sentence.
Usage in Context: It is used to introduce an opposing fact or idea, e.g., "The experiment yielded no significant data; nonetheless, the insights were valuable."
Yet
Similarity: "Yet" can function similarly to "though" when used to introduce a contrasting idea, often placed between clauses.
Usage in Context: It is typically used to highlight an exception, e.g., "He is very skilled, yet he remains humble."
Yet
Similarity: "Yet" can function similarly to "though" when used to introduce a contrasting idea, often placed between clauses.
Usage in Context: It is typically used to highlight an exception, e.g., "He is very skilled, yet he remains humble."
Common Phrases and Examples with Though
1. She smiled, though he was late.
Explanation: This sentence shows "though" used to contrast her happiness with his lateness.
1. She smiled, though he was late.
Explanation: This sentence shows "though" used to contrast her happiness with his lateness.
2. I will go for a walk, though it is raining.
Explanation: Here, "though" connects the idea of taking a walk with the fact that it is raining.
2. I will go for a walk, though it is raining.
Explanation: Here, "though" connects the idea of taking a walk with the fact that it is raining.
3. He ate the food, though he was not hungry.
Explanation: In this sentence, "though" highlights a contrast between his action of eating and his lack of hunger.
3. He ate the food, though he was not hungry.
Explanation: In this sentence, "though" highlights a contrast between his action of eating and his lack of hunger.
4. We enjoyed the show, though it was a bit long.
Explanation: "Though" contrasts the fun of watching the show with the fact that it lasted longer than expected.
4. We enjoyed the show, though it was a bit long.
Explanation: "Though" contrasts the fun of watching the show with the fact that it lasted longer than expected.
5. They went to the park, though it was very crowded.
Explanation: Here, "though" is used to indicate that they visited the park even in the crowded condition.
5. They went to the park, though it was very crowded.
Explanation: Here, "though" is used to indicate that they visited the park even in the crowded condition.
6. I tried the new recipe, though it was hard to follow.
Explanation: This sentence uses "though" to show that despite the recipe being difficult, the action of trying it still happened.
6. I tried the new recipe, though it was hard to follow.
Explanation: This sentence uses "though" to show that despite the recipe being difficult, the action of trying it still happened.
Get your
real English level
Make a quick 4-minute call
with our AI tutor
and get your
English score for FREE
Get your real English level
Make a quick 4-minute call with our AI tutor
and get your English score for FREE
© 2025 Fluently Inc.