though

♦

(Pronounced [[t]ðoʊ[/t]] for meanings 1 and 2, and [[t]ðo͟ʊ[/t]] for meanings 3 to 5.)

1) CONJ-SUBORD You use though to introduce a statement in a subordinate clause which contrasts with the statement in the main clause. You often use though to introduce a fact which you regard as less important than the fact in the main clause.

Gaelic has been a dying language for many years, though children are nowadays taught it in school...

After news of this new court case Ford broke down again, though he blamed the breakdown on his work...

He's very attractive, though certainly not a ladykiller...

Cleveland has always had a reputation for being a dirty, ugly, boring city, though now they say it is much better.

Syn:

although

2) CONJ-SUBORD You use though to introduce a subordinate clause which gives some information that is relevant to the main clause and weakens the force of what it is saying.

I look back on it as the bloodiest (though not literally) winter of the war...

The problem was finally, though not conclusively, identified as a severely pinched nerve...

His achievements, though hardly exciting, were widely admired.

Syn:

although

3) ADV: ADV with cl You use though to indicate that the information in a clause contrasts with or modifies information given in a previous sentence or sentences.

I like him. Though he makes me angry sometimes...

I want to try my hand at politics, or go back to the law. I don't want to go to school for it, though...

It might be worth your while to go to court. This is tricky, though, and you'll need expert advice.

Syn:

although

4) PHRASE: PHR with cl You can say though I say so myself or even though I say it myself when you are praising yourself or something you have done, but do not want to sound too proud. [mainly SPOKEN]

I'm a good cook, though I say it myself...

Even though I do say it myself we've probably got the best little restaurant in town.

5) as though → see as

even though → see even