than
than
Pronunciation
than /ðæn/
Syllable 1:
/ð/ - voiced dental fricative (as in "the")
/æ/ - near-open front unrounded vowel (as in "cat")
/n/ - alveolar nasal (as in "nap")
Word Form Variations
"Than" is a conjunction and a preposition. As such, it does not have typical word form variations like singular/plural, verb tenses, or comparative/superlative forms. Its form remains consistent.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Conjunction
Definition 1: Used to introduce the second element or clause in a comparison. It indicates a difference in degree, amount, or quality between two things or ideas.
Synonyms: compared to, in comparison with, relative to
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it functions to establish a relationship rather than a contrasting state. One could consider "equal to" or "same as" in a context where "than" implies inequality.)
Definition 2: Used in expressions of choice or preference, indicating one option over another.
Synonyms: rather than, in preference to, instead of
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; similar to above, its function is relational.)
Preposition
Definition 1: Used after a comparative adjective or adverb to introduce the person, thing, or group being compared.
Synonyms: in relation to, compared with
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for its prepositional use in this context.)
Examples of Use
Books: "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known." (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, 1859)
Newspapers: "Economists say the job market is stronger than many initially anticipated, with unemployment rates remaining low." (The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publications: "Artificial intelligence is developing faster than many experts predicted, raising new questions about its ethical implications." (Wired.com)
Television/Film: "Sometimes, courage is more about doing what's right, rather than what's easy." (Attributed to various fictional characters and self-help contexts)
Music: "You're younger than springtime, and older than time." (From the song "Younger Than Springtime" by Rodgers and Hammerstein, South Pacific, 1949)
General Public Discourse: "I'd rather walk than take the bus today, it's such a beautiful day out." (Heard in conversation)
Podcasts: "Our guest today argues that building sustainable communities is more important than ever, given current climate challenges." (From a popular environmental podcast)
10 Quotes Using Than
"It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness." (Chinese Proverb)
"The pen is mightier than the sword." (Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Richelieu; or the Conspiracy, 1839)
"There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." (Often attributed to Winston Churchill, though the exact phrasing varies and its origin is debated.)
"Actions speak louder than words." (Proverb)
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35, The Bible)
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat." (Winston Churchill, 1940)
"It is far better to be alone than to be in bad company." (George Washington)
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." (Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1933)
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." (Albert Einstein)
Etymology
The word "than" has a really interesting history because it's actually the same word as "then"! They both come from the Old English word "þonne" (pronounced something like "thon-neh"), which could mean "then" (in terms of time) or "since" or "because."
Over time, in Middle English, "þonne" started to be used in comparisons, similar to how we use "than" today. Think of it like saying "This one is bigger; then (or 'after that') there is that one." This idea of one thing following another, or being compared to another, seems to have been the starting point.
It wasn't until around the 17th century that the spelling of "than" and "then" became distinct. Before that, you might see "then" used where we would now use "than," and vice-versa, which can be a bit confusing for modern readers!
So, in essence, the very first known use and meaning of the word (or its ancestor) was related to time ("at that time") or to connecting ideas, and from that same root, its use in comparisons developed.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Than
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "than":
More easily said than done: This means something is harder to do than to talk about.
Rather than: Used to indicate preference or choice for one thing over another.
Other than: Means "apart from" or "except for."
Sooner than later: Implies that something will happen soon or relatively quickly.
No sooner... than...: Used to express that one thing happens immediately after another.
Bigger than life: Describes someone or something that is exceptionally impressive or noticeable.
More than meets the eye: Suggests that there is more to a situation or person than is immediately apparent.
More than words can say: Expresses an emotion or feeling that is too intense to describe with language.
Better late than never: Means it's better for something to happen even if it's delayed, rather than not at all.
Less than thrilled: Indicates that someone is not very happy or enthusiastic about something.
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Source Information
Definition of than from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
