Through: meaning, definitions and examples

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through

[θruː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in the middle of an activity or process

Moving through the crowd, she finally reached the front of the stage.

Synonyms

across, along, amidst.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
through	Used when referring to moving in one side and out the other side of something, or progressing within an experience. We walked through the forest She read through the entire book
across	Used when referring to moving from one side to the other side of something, like a surface or area. It can also mean throughout a region or group. He walked across the street News spread across the country
along	Used when referring to moving in a line that follows the edge or course of something, such as a road, river, or path. They strolled along the beach She drove along the highway
amidst	Used when referring to being surrounded by things or within something happening, especially in the middle of events or actions. This word often appears in more formal or literary contexts. Amidst the chaos, she remained calm The house stood amidst the trees

Examples of usage

He struggled through the last few pages of the book.
We made it through the storm without any damage.

^{Context #2 | Preposition}

from one side or end to the other

The river flows through the valley.

Synonyms

across, along, over.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
through	Use when describing movement from one side of an enclosed space to the other side. He walked through the tunnel. They drove through the city.
across	Use when talking about movement from one side to the opposite side of a flat or open area. She swam across the river. We walked across the field.
over	Use to signify movement above or higher than a surface, often crossing it. The cat jumped over the fence. They flew over the mountains.
along	Use to describe movement in a constant direction on a linear path or surface. They walked along the beach. He ran along the road.

Examples of usage

He walked through the tunnel to reach the other side.
The sun shone through the window.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

finished or done

She was through with her exams and could finally relax.

Synonyms

completed, finished, over.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
through	Use when indicating the process of passing across something or the end of a journey. I've gone through a lot this year She walked through the park
finished	Use to mean something has come to an end or been fully done. Are you finished with your meal? The movie finished at 10 PM
completed	Use when indicating a task or project that has been fully finished. I completed my homework The building was completed last month
over	Use to indicate that an event or period has ended. This can have a negative tone if related to failures or losses. The concert is over The game is over, and we lost

Examples of usage

I am through with this project and can move on to the next one.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'through' comes from the Old English 'þurh', which means to pass across.
Similar words in other languages include the German 'durch' and Dutch 'door', showcasing a common root.
The spelling of 'through' evolved over time, with earlier forms resembling 'throuh' in Middle English.

Literature

Through is often used in poetry and prose to convey journeys, both physical and emotional.
In Shakespeare's works, the word appears frequently to indicate transitions and connections between ideas.
Notable literary uses can be found in works discussing themes of perseverance and passage in narratives.

Science

In physics, the concept of passing 'through' is fundamental when discussing particle behavior in a medium.
Biological processes, like digestion, involve breaking down food as it moves through the digestive system.
The term is also used in astronomy when describing how light travels through the atmosphere or through space.

Psychology

The phrase 'going through' can refer to the emotional process of experiencing events, such as grief or healing.
Cognitive behavioral therapy often encourages individuals to work through their thoughts and feelings to achieve better mental health.
In social psychology, passing through different environments can affect mood and behavior, highlighting the importance of context.

Language and Usage

'Through' has multiple meanings, including completing a process, being in contact with something, and indicating time periods.
Common phrases include 'through thick and thin,' meaning supporting someone no matter what challenges arise.
The word is often confused with 'threw', which is the past tense of 'throw', due to similar sounds but different meanings.

Translations

Translations of the word "through" in other languages:

🇵🇹 através

🇮🇳 के जरिए

🇩🇪 durch

🇮🇩 melalui

🇺🇦 через

🇵🇱 przez

🇯🇵 通して (とおして)

🇫🇷 à travers

🇪🇸 a través de

🇹🇷 aracılığıyla

🇰🇷 통해 (통하여)

🇸🇦 من خلال

🇨🇿 skrz

🇸🇰 cez

🇨🇳 通过 (tōngguò)

🇸🇮 skozi

🇮🇸 í gegnum

🇰🇿 арқылы

🇬🇪 მეშვეობით (mesvdomit)

🇦🇿 vasitəsilə

🇲🇽 a través de

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #64, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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61 must
62 years
63 where
64 through
65 new
66 upon
67 each
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