Thou vs. Though — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 16, 2023
"Thou" is an archaic form of "you," used for addressing one person, while "Though" is a conjunction indicating contrast or exception.
Difference Between Thou and Though
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Thou" hails from older English and once served as the singular, informal form of "you." When someone used "Thou," they were addressing another in a familiar or colloquial manner, similar to how "tu" is used in some Romance languages. On the other hand, "Though" is a conjunction used in modern English. It often indicates contrast, introducing a statement that differs from or contrasts with a previous statement. For instance, one might say, "It was raining, though we still went for a walk."
Another point to consider is the realm of literature and historical writings. "Thou" is prevalent in classical literature, especially in religious texts and old poetry. You'll find it frequently in Shakespeare's works or the King James Bible. On the opposite side, "Though" remains constant in both historical and contemporary writings. Its function as a contrasting conjunction has kept it relevant in various forms of writing across the ages.
It's also interesting to note that "Thou" has seen a decline in colloquial usage. As language evolved, the distinction between the formal "you" and informal "Thou" became less pronounced in English, leading to "Thou" becoming largely obsolete. However, "Though" retains its value in everyday conversation, bridging sentences and ideas that may stand in opposition to each other.
Lastly, while "Thou" has a clear grammatical role as a pronoun, "Though" is multifaceted. Besides being a conjunction, "Though" can be an adverb, typically at the end of a sentence, indicating a concession like, "I did it anyway, though."
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Pronoun
Conjunction (mainly), can also be an adverb.
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Meaning
Archaic form of "you."
Indicates contrast or exception.
Usage Era
Older English (now archaic).
Both historical and modern English.
Common Context
Religious texts, Shakespearean plays.
Everyday speech, written content.
Function
Addressing someone informally.
Introducing contrasting statements or ideas.
Compare with Definitions
Thou
Used for addressing a single person.
Thou hast betrayed me.
Though
Used to introduce a contrasting statement.
He is tired, though he won't admit it.
Thou
Common in old literature and religious texts.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Though
Implies an exception to a previous statement.
I don't usually eat sweets, though I'll make an exception for this.
Thou
Often accompanied by specific verb forms.
Thou knowest the truth.
Though
Sometimes used at the end of sentences as a concession.
That sounds fun, though.
Thou
The word thou is a second-person singular pronoun in English. It is now largely archaic, having been replaced in most contexts by you.
Though
Can be synonymous with "although."
Though it's late, I'll wait for her.
Thou
Compare with thee
Thou art fair, O my beloved
Though
Can soften a statement or provide nuance.
It's not my favorite book, though I can see why people like it.
Thou
A thousand
Two hundred thou
Though
Despite the fact that; although
He still argues, though he knows he's wrong. Even though it was raining, she walked to work.
Thou
A thousand, especially of dollars.
Though
Conceding or supposing that; even if
Though they may not succeed, they will still try. See Usage Note at although.
Thou
Form of {{glossary.
Though
However; nevertheless
Snow is not predicted.
We can expect some rain, though.
Thou
(transitive) To address (a person) using the pronoun thou, especially as an expression of contempt or familiarity.
Don’t thou them as thous thee!
– a Yorkshire English admonition to overly familiar children
Though
(Informal) Used as an intensive
Wouldn't that beat all, though?.
Thou
(intransitive) To use the word thou.
Though
(conjunctive) Despite that; however.
I'm not paid to do all this paperwork for you. I will do it this once, though.
Thou
(Britain) A unit of length equal to one-thousandth of an inch (25.4 µm).
Though
(degree) Used to intensify statements or questions; indeed.
"Man, it's hot in here." — "Isn't it, though?"
Thou
(slang) A thousand, especially a thousand of some currency (dollars, pounds sterling, etc.).
Though
Despite the fact that; although.
Though it is risky, it is worth taking the chance.
Thou
The second personal pronoun, in the singular number, denoting the person addressed; thyself; the pronoun which is used in addressing persons in the solemn or poetical style.
Art thou he that should come?
Though
(archaic) If, that, even if.
We shall be not sorry though the man die tonight.
Thou
To address as thou, esp. to do so in order to treat with insolent familiarity or contempt.
If thou thouest him some thrice, it shall not be amiss.
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.
Thou
To use the words thou and thee in discourse after the manner of the Friends.
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.
Thou
The cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
Though
Despite the fact that;
Even though she knew the answer, she did not respond
Thou
Archaic form of "you."
Thou art kind and just.
Though
(postpositive) however;
It might be unpleasant, though
Thou
Informal and familiar address.
Why dost thou weep?
Common Curiosities
Can "Though" start a sentence?
Yes, "Though" can start a sentence, similar to "although."
Does "Thou" have a plural form?
Yes, the plural of "Thou" is "Ye."
What does "Though" at the end of a sentence imply?
"Though" at the end of a sentence often adds a note of concession or slight contrast.
In which notable works is "Thou" frequently used?
"Thou" is commonly found in Shakespeare's plays and the King James Bible.
Is "Thou" formal or informal?
"Thou" was historically the informal form of "you."
Does "Though" have synonyms?
Yes, "Although" and "Even if" can be synonyms for "Though."
How is "Though" different from "Although"?
"Though" and "Although" are often interchangeable, but "Though" can be more informal and versatile.
Is "Thou" specific to any dialects of English today?
While largely obsolete, "Thou" might still be found in some regional dialects or in poetic contexts.
Is "Thou" still commonly used in modern English?
No, "Thou" is archaic and isn't commonly used in modern English, though it appears in old literature.
Can "Though" be used as an adverb?
Yes, especially at the end of sentences, as in "I'll go, though."
Is "Though" always about contrast?
Primarily, yes. "Though" introduces a contrasting idea or exception.
How does "Though" relate to "Thought"?
While they sound similar, "Though" is a conjunction, whereas "Thought" is the past tense of "Think" and a noun.
What verb forms typically accompany "Thou"?
"Thou" often pairs with verbs ending in "-est," like "thou art" or "thou dost."
Can "Thou" be found in modern translations of the Bible?
"Thou" is common in older translations like the King James Version but is less prevalent in modern ones.
Are there any languages similar to English that still use their version of "Thou"?
Yes, languages like French use "tu," and Spanish uses "tú," both similar in function to "Thou."
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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.
