Altho

Part of speech: conjunction

Definitions

1. A conjunction introducing a clause that contrasts with the main statement, meaning despite the fact that something is true
2. Used to introduce a contrasting or concessive idea, meaning even though or in spite of the circumstance just mentioned
3. A spelling variant of a conjunction that signals a concession, meaning notwithstanding that or regardless of the condition stated

Etymology: "Altho" is a shortened spelling of "although," and its story is mostly one of spelling rather than meaning. "Although" itself was formed in Middle English by joining "all" and "though," and in its original sense it carried the idea of "all that" granted, which is why it still means "even if" or "even though" today. The shorter form is an American English alteration, created by dropping the final letters of "although" to save space and effort in writing. It keeps the same conjunction sense, so it links a concession to a main clause in exactly the same way: "altho it rained, we went out."

Synonyms: although, though