than — meaning in English: than

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than

against

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 'than' in comparative sentences to highlight differences between two entities. For example, you might hear phrases like 'She is taller than him' in everyday conversations or 'This book is more interesting than the last one' in both casual and academic discussions.

Synonyms & nuances

'Than' is primarily used for direct comparisons, while alternatives like 'as' can imply a similarity rather than a difference. You would choose 'than' when you want to emphasize a distinction, such as in 'more than' or 'less than'.

Culture

'Than' has its roots in Old English, deriving from the word 'þænne', which means 'then'. Over the centuries, its use solidified in English grammar to mark comparisons, becoming an essential part of comparative structures that reflect the way we evaluate and differentiate experiences in our daily lives.

FAQ

Q.What does 'than' mean in English?

'Than' is a conjunction used to make comparisons between two things, indicating that one has a specific quality to a greater or lesser degree than the other.

Q.How do you use 'than' in a sentence?

'Than' is used to compare two nouns or pronouns, as in 'Alice runs faster than Bob' or 'This puzzle is easier than that one.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 'than'?

A frequent mistake is confusing 'than' with 'then'. Remember, 'than' is used for comparisons while 'then' relates to time.

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