than — used to introduce the second element in a comparison
Part of speech: CONJUNCTION
Definition: used to introduce the second element in a comparison
Pronunciation (IPA): /ðæn/
Example Sentences
- My cat is lazier than a government employee on Friday afternoon.
- Learning English is easier than explaining why pineapple belongs on pizza.
- The exam was harder than I expected.
than
CONJUNCTION[/ðæn/]
used to introduce the second element in a comparison
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English thonne, derived from Germanic comparative expressions. Originally carried a temporal meaning of 'at that time' before evolving to express comparison.
Breakdown
thonne (Old English temporal adverb) → than (developed as comparative conjunction through semantic shift from temporal to comparative meaning).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat is lazier than a government employee on Friday afternoon.”
“Learning English is easier than explaining why pineapple belongs on pizza.”
“The exam was harder than I expected.”
“I'd rather walk than take the crowded subway.”
📚Related Words
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