Still vs. Though — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 17, 2024
"Still" emphasizes continuity or persistence, highlighting unchanged situations; "though" indicates contrast or exception, suggesting a contradiction.
Difference Between Still and Though
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Key Differences
"Still" is commonly used to express the continuation of a state or condition, often reflecting something that remains unchanged over time. Whereas, "though" serves as a conjunction or adverb that introduces a contrast or exception, typically used to admit a fact in spite of the preceding statement.
In usage, "still" can appear in various parts of a sentence without altering its basic meaning, focusing on the aspect of persistence. On the other hand, "though" can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, but its placement can subtly change the emphasis of the contrast it introduces.
"Still" often pairs with verbs to indicate ongoing action or state, reinforcing the idea of duration or lack of change. Whereas "though" pairs with entire clauses, providing a backdrop of contrast or concession to the main statement.
The tone conveyed by "still" can imply patience, surprise, or frustration, depending on the context, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the continuity. Conversely, "though" often softens statements, introducing nuances that acknowledge opposing or differing viewpoints.
In literary or formal contexts, "still" can add dramatic emphasis to the enduring nature of a condition or feeling. In contrast, "though" is versatile in both informal and formal registers, facilitating a smooth transition between contrasting ideas or statements.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb, adjective
Conjunction, adverb
Function in a Sentence
Emphasizes continuity or unchanged state
Introduces a contrast or exception
Placement in a Sentence
Can be used in various positions without altering meaning
Placement can change emphasis of contrast
Typical Associations
Persistence, duration, surprise
Contrast, concession, nuance
Tone
Can convey patience, surprise, or frustration
Often softens statements or introduces nuances
Compare with Definitions
Still
As an adverb, indicating continuation.
She still lives in her hometown.
Though
However.
I like the shoes. though, they're too expensive.
Still
As an adjective, not moving or making noise.
The night was perfectly still.
Though
Used to introduce a contrasting element.
It’s hard work. rewarding, though.
Still
Despite that.
It’s raining, but we are still going.
Though
Despite the fact that.
Though it was raining, we went hiking.
Still
Used to emphasize.
He was rich and still unhappy.
Though
Even if.
Though tired, she kept moving.
Still
Up to and including the present or the time mentioned.
Are you still here?
Though
At the end of sentences to add a surprising or contradictory fact.
She promised to call but hasn't yet, though.
Still
A still is an apparatus used to distill liquid mixtures by heating to selectively boil and then cooling to condense the vapor. A still uses the same concepts as a basic distillation apparatus, but on a much larger scale.
Though
Despite the fact that; although
He still argues, though he knows he's wrong. Even though it was raining, she walked to work.
Still
Not moving or making a sound
The still body of the young man
The sheriff commanded him to stand still and drop the gun
She sat very still, her eyes closed
He lay still, unable to move
Though
Conceding or supposing that; even if
Though they may not succeed, they will still try. See Usage Note at although.
Still
Deep silence and calm; stillness
The still of the night
Though
However; nevertheless
Snow is not predicted.
We can expect some rain, though.
Still
An ordinary static photograph as opposed to a motion picture, especially a single shot from a cinema film
Stills photography
Film stills
Though
(Informal) Used as an intensive
Wouldn't that beat all, though?.
Still
An apparatus for distilling alcoholic drinks such as whisky.
Though
(conjunctive) Despite that; however.
I'm not paid to do all this paperwork for you. I will do it this once, though.
Still
Up to and including the present or the time mentioned; even now (or then) as formerly
He still lives with his mother
It was still raining
Though
(degree) Used to intensify statements or questions; indeed.
"Man, it's hot in here." — "Isn't it, though?"
Still
Nevertheless; all the same
I'm afraid he's crazy. Still, he's harmless
Though
Despite the fact that; although.
Though it is risky, it is worth taking the chance.
Still
Even (used with comparatives for emphasis)
Hank, already sweltering, began to sweat still more profusely
Write, or better still, type, captions for the pictures
Though
(archaic) If, that, even if.
We shall be not sorry though the man die tonight.
Still
Make or become still; quieten
She raised her hand, stilling Erica's protests
The din in the hall stilled
Though
Granting, admitting, or supposing that; notwithstanding that; if.
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.
Not that I so affirm, though so it seem.
In the vine were three branches; and it was as though it budded.
Still
Not moving or in motion
The patient must be still for the doctor to work.
Though
However; nevertheless; notwithstanding; - used in familiar language, and in the middle or at the end of a sentence.
I would not be as sick though for his place.
A good cause would do well, though.
Still
Free from disturbance, agitation, or commotion
The still waters of the lake.
Though
Despite the fact that;
Even though she knew the answer, she did not respond
Still
Of or relating to a single or static photograph as opposed to a movie.
Though
(postpositive) however;
It might be unpleasant, though
Still
Making or characterized by no sound or faint sound
The crowd cheered and then grew still.
Still
Not carbonated; lacking effervescence
A still wine.
Still
Silence; quiet
The still of the night.
Still
A still photograph, especially one taken from a scene of a movie and used for promotional purposes.
Still
A still-life picture.
Still
An apparatus for distilling liquids, such as alcohols, consisting of a vessel in which the substance is vaporized by heat and a cooling device in which the vapor is condensed.
Still
A distillery.
Still
Without movement; motionlessly
Stand still.
Still
At the present time; for the present
We are still waiting.
Still
Up to or at a specified time; yet
Still had not made up her mind.
Still
At a future time; eventually
May still see the error of his ways.
Still
In increasing amount or degree; even
And still further complaints.
Still
In addition; besides
Had still another helping.
Still
All the same; nevertheless.
Still
To make motionless or unagitated
The afternoon heat stilled the breeze.
Still
To make quiet; silence
"a ... cold wind that stilled even the chorus of insects" (David Campbell).
Still
To allay or calm
The parents stilled their child's fears of the dark.
Still
To become still.
Still
Not moving; calm.
Sit there and stay still!
Still waters run deep.
Still
Not effervescing; not sparkling.
Still water; still wines
Still
Uttering no sound; silent.
Still
(not comparable) Having the same stated quality continuously from a past time
Still
Comparatively quiet or silent; soft; gentle; low.
Still
(obsolete) Constant; continual.
Still
Without motion.
They stood still until the guard was out of sight.
Still
(aspect) Up to a time, as in the preceding time.
Is it still raining?
It was still raining five minutes ago.
We've seen most of the sights, but we are still visiting the museum.
I’m still not wise enough to answer that.
Still
(degree) To an even greater degree. Used to modify comparative adjectives or adverbs.
Tom is tall; Dick is taller; Harry is still taller / Harry is taller still.
Still
(conjunctive) Nevertheless.
I’m not hungry, but I’ll still manage to find room for dessert.
Yeah, but still...
Still
Always; invariably; constantly; continuously.
Still
(extensive) Even, yet.
Some dogs howl, more yelp, still more bark.
Still
A period of calm or silence.
The still of the night
Still
(photography) A photograph, as opposed to movie footage.
Still
(slang) A resident of the Falkland Islands.
Still
A device for distilling liquids.
Still
(catering) A large water boiler used to make tea and coffee.
Still
(catering) The area in a restaurant used to make tea and coffee, separate from the main kitchen.
Still
A building where liquors are distilled; a distillery.
Still
To calm down, to quiet.
To still the raging sea
Still
(obsolete) To trickle, drip.
Still
To cause to fall by drops.
Still
To expel spirit from by heat, or to evaporate and condense in a refrigeratory; to distill.
Still
Motionless; at rest; quiet; as, to stand still; to lie or sit still.
Still
Uttering no sound; silent; as, the audience is still; the animals are still.
The sea that roared at thy command,At thy command was still.
Still
Not disturbed by noise or agitation; quiet; calm; as, a still evening; a still atmosphere.
Still
Comparatively quiet or silent; soft; gentle; low.
Still
Constant; continual.
By still practice learn to know thy meaning.
Still
Not effervescing; not sparkling; as, still wines.
Still
Freedom from noise; calm; silence; as, the still of midnight.
Still
A steep hill or ascent.
Still
A vessel, boiler, or copper used in the distillation of liquids; specifically, one used for the distillation of alcoholic liquors; a retort. The name is sometimes applied to the whole apparatus used in in vaporization and condensation.
Still
A house where liquors are distilled; a distillery.
Still
To this time; until and during the time now present; now no less than before; yet.
It hath been anciently reported, and is still received.
Still
In the future as now and before.
Hourly joys be still upon you!
Still
In continuation by successive or repeated acts; always; ever; constantly; uniformly.
The desire of fame betrays an ambitious man into indecencies that lessen his reputation; he is still afraid lest any of his actions should be thrown away in private.
Chemists would be rich if they could still do in great quantities what they have sometimes done in little.
Still
In an increasing or additional degree; even more; - much used with comparatives.
The guilt being great, the fear doth still exceed.
Still
Notwithstanding what has been said or done; in spite of what has occured; nevertheless; - sometimes used as a conjunction. See Synonym of But.
As sunshine, broken in the rill,Though turned astray, is sunshine still.
Still
After that; after what is stated.
In the primitive church, such as by fear being compelled to sacrifice to strange gods, after repented, and kept still the office of preaching the gospel.
And like the watchful minutes to the hour,Still and anon cheered up the heavy time.
Still
To stop, as motion or agitation; to cause to become quiet, or comparatively quiet; to check the agitation of; as, to still the raging sea.
He having a full sway over the water, had power to still and compose it, as well as to move and disturb it.
Still
To stop, as noise; to silence.
With his name the mothers still their babies.
Still
To appease; to calm; to quiet, as tumult, agitation, or excitement; as, to still the passions.
Toil that would, at least, have stilled an unquiet impulse in me.
Still
To cause to fall by drops.
Still
To expel spirit from by heat, or to evaporate and condense in a refrigeratory; to distill.
Still
To drop, or flow in drops; to distill.
Still
A static photograph (especially one taken from a movie and used for advertising purposes);
He wanted some stills for a magazine ad
Still
(poetic) tranquil silence;
The still of the night
Still
An apparatus used for the distillation of liquids; consists of a vessel in which a substance is vaporized by heat and a condenser where the vapor is condensed
Still
A plant and works where alcoholic drinks are made by distillation
Still
Make calm or still;
Quiet the dragons of worry and fear
Still
Cause to be quiet or not talk;
Please silence the children in the church!
Still
Lessen the intensity of or calm;
The news eased my conscience
Still the fears
Still
Make motionless
Still
Not in physical motion;
The inertia of an object at rest
Still
Marked by absence of sound;
A silent house
Soundless footsteps on the grass
The night was still
Still
Free from disturbance;
A ribbon of sand between the angry sea and the placid bay
The quiet waters of a lagoon
A lake of tranquil blue water reflecting a tranquil blue sky
A smooth channel crossing
Scarcely a ripple on the still water
Unruffled water
Still
Used of pictures; of a single or static photograph not presented so as to create the illusion of motion; or representing objects not capable of motion;
A still photograph
Cezanne's still life of apples
Still
Not sparkling;
A still wine
Still mineral water
Still
Free from noticeable current;
A still pond
Still waters run deep
Still
With reference to action or condition; without change, interruption, or cessation;
It's still warm outside
Will you still love me when we're old and grey?
Still
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
Still
To a greater degree or extent; used with comparisons;
Looked sick and felt even worse
An even (or still) more interesting problem
Still another problem must be solved
A yet sadder tale
Still
Without moving or making a sound;
He sat still as a statue
Time stood still
They waited stock-still outside the door
He couldn't hold still any longer
Common Curiosities
What part of speech is "still"?
"Still" can function as both an adverb and an adjective.
Where can "though" be placed in a sentence?
"Though" can also appear at any position in a sentence but affects emphasis.
Can "still" introduce a contrast?
"Still" generally does not introduce contrasts but emphasizes existing conditions.
What part of speech is "though"?
"Though" can be used as both a conjunction and an adverb.
How does "still" affect the tone of a statement?
It can convey surprise, patience, or frustration, emphasizing an ongoing situation.
How does "though" affect the tone of a statement?
It often softens the tone or introduces a nuance or concession.
Can "still" and "though" be used interchangeably?
No, "still" emphasizes continuity while "though" introduces a contrast.
Where can "still" be placed in a sentence?
"Still" can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Is "still" used in questions?
Yes, e.g., Are you still coming to the party?
Is "though" used in questions?
Rarely, as it generally serves to introduce statements of contrast.
Can "though" indicate continuity?
"Though" primarily introduces contrasts and does not indicate continuity.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
