Than

Than
Than Than ([th][a^]n), conj. [OE. than, thon, then, thanne, thonne, thenne, than, then, AS. [eth]anne, [eth]onne, [eth][ae]nne; akin to D. dan, OHG. danne, G. dann then, denn than, for, Goth. [thorn]an then, and to E. the, there, that. See {That}, and cf. {Then}.] A particle expressing comparison, used after certain adjectives and adverbs which express comparison or diversity, as more, better, other, otherwise, and the like. It is usually followed by the object compared in the nominative case. Sometimes, however, the object compared is placed in the objective case, and than is then considered by some grammarians as a preposition. Sometimes the object is expressed in a sentence, usually introduced by that; as, I would rather suffer than that you should want. [1913 Webster]

Behold, a greater than Solomon is here. --Matt. xii. 42. [1913 Webster]

Which when Beelzebub perceived, than whom, Satan except, none higher sat. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

It's wiser being good than bad; It's safer being meek than fierce; It's fitter being sane than mad. --R. Browning. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • than — [ strong ðæn, weak ðən ] function word *** Than can be used in the following ways: as a conjunction (connecting two clauses or phrases): We shouldn t spend more than we earn. as a preposition (followed by a noun): I m taller than my dad.… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • than — W1S1 [ðən strong ðæn] conj, prep [: Old English; Origin: thanne, thAnne] 1.) used when comparing two things, people, situations etc ▪ Natalie was prettier than her sister. ▪ You need that money more than I do. ▪ There were more people there than… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • Than — is a grammatical particle serving as both conjunction and preposition in the English language. It introduces a comparison, and as such is associated with comparatives, and with words such as more, less, and fewer. Typically, it seeks to measure… …   Wikipedia

  • than — [than] conj. [ME than, thene, thonne < OE thenne, thanne, thonne, orig., then: for IE base see THAT] 1. introducing the second element in a comparison, following an adjective or adverb in the comparative degree: if the first element is a… …   English World dictionary

  • than — 1. Than is normally used to introduce the second element in a comparison, and acts either as a conjunction (He is older than I am) or as a preposition (He is older than me). In uses such as He is older than I, than is normally regarded as a… …   Modern English usage

  • than — ► CONJUNCTION & PREPOSITION 1) introducing the second element in a comparison. 2) used to introduce an exception or contrast. 3) used in expressions indicating one thing happening immediately after another. USAGE Traditionally, it has been… …   English terms dictionary

  • Than — ist der Familienname von: Abraham Than (* 1927), Altbischof von Kengtung Karl Than (1834–1908), ungarischer Chemiker Mór Than (1828–1899), ungarischer Maler Walter Than (* 1921), deutscher Tischtennisspieler Siehe auch Thane Tann Thanh Thann …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • than — O.E. þan, conjunctive particle used after a comparative adjective or adverb, from þanne, þænne, þonne then (see THEN (Cf. then)). Developed from the adverb then, and not distinguished from it in spelling until c.1700. The earliest use is in West… …   Etymology dictionary

  • Than — Than, adv. Then. See {Then}. [Obs.] Gower. [1913 Webster] Thanne longen folk to gon on pilgrimages. Chaucer. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Than — (angelsächs. thegn, thên, althochd. degan, schott. than, thayne), ursprünglich der kriegerische Gefolgsmann des angelsächsischen Königs, seit dem 10. Jahrh. erblicher Großgrundbesitzer. Der T. entspricht in der Entwickelungsgeschichte des… …   Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon

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