although
awl-THOH
Although (conj) means Despite the fact that; used to introduce a contrast or concession. Example: “Although it was raining, they went ahead with the picnic.”
conj
1
Despite the fact that; used to introduce a contrast or concession.
"Although proven, the accusation was ignored by the court."
"Although it was very muddy, the football game went on."
"Although there are dozens of different types of gems, among the best known and most important are diamond, ruby and sapphire, emerald and other gem forms of the mineral beryl, chrysoberyl, tanzanite, tsavorite, topaz and jade."
— Lee A. Groat, Gemstones (2012)
"Although it was raining, they went ahead with the picnic."
"She took the job, although the pay was lower than she wanted."
"The soup tasted wonderful, although it needed a little more salt."
How to use although
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA conjunction used to link a statement with something that seems to go against it.
Common mistake
Interchangeable with "though" in most cases, but "although" is preferred at the start of a sentence in formal writing.
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_____ it was raining, they went ahead with the picnic.
Etymology
From Middle English althagh, a compound of Old English eall ("all") and þeah ("though") — literally "all though."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for although
See all rhymes for although →Frequently asked questions
What does “although” mean?
The word “although” means despite the fact that; used to introduce a contrast or concession. In plain terms, a conjunction used to link a statement with something that seems to go against it.
How do you pronounce “although”?
“Although” is pronounced awl-THOH (/ɔlˈðoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “although” in a sentence?
Here is “although” used in a sentence: “Although it was raining, they went ahead with the picnic.”
What is another word for “although”?
Words with a similar meaning to “although” include even if, albeit and even though.
What part of speech is “although”?
“Although” is a conjunction.
Where does the word “although” come from?
The word “although” comes from Old English. From Middle English althagh, a compound of Old English eall ("all") and þeah ("though") — literally "all though.".
Is “although” a common word?
“Although” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between although and though?
The two are almost interchangeable when introducing a contrast — 'although/though it was late, we stayed.' Though is more informal and, unlike although, can end a sentence: 'It's hard work. I enjoy it, though.' Although sounds slightly more formal and always sits at the start of its clause, never at the end.
What is the difference between although and even though?
Both concede a contrast, but even though is stronger and more emphatic, stressing how surprising the contrast is — 'even though it was pouring, he walked.' Although is the neutral, everyday choice. You could swap in although there, but even though drives the point home more forcefully.
Can you start a sentence with 'although'?
Yes, absolutely. 'Although it was raining, we went out' is perfectly correct. The only rule is that a main clause must follow to complete the thought — although introduces a subordinate idea, so it cannot stand alone as a full sentence. Just avoid leaving the although clause hanging by itself.
What is an example of 'although' in a sentence?
Although introduces a contrast or concession: 'although she was tired, she kept working,' 'we enjoyed the trip, although it rained,' or 'although expensive, the tool is worth it.' In each case it signals that what follows is true despite the fact just mentioned, setting up an unexpected result.
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