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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | thanne, thænne |
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than S1 W1
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 I expected. If it costs more than $60, I won't buy it. She had woken even earlier than usual. Divorce is more common than it was a generation ago.
Natalie was prettier than her sister.You need that money more than I do.There were more people there than I expected.If it costs more than $60, I won't buy it.She had woken even earlier than usual.Divorce is more common than it was a generation ago.2 except for a particular person or thing : We never go to church other than for funerals and weddings. We know he lived in Fleet Road, but other than that we don't know much about him.
other than
We never go to church other than for funerals and weddings.We know he lived in Fleet Road, but other than that we don't know much about him.3 used to say that you prefer one thing to another : I'd rather drive than go by train. She said she'd rather die than live in the city.
would rather/would sooner ... than
I'd rather drive than go by train.She said she'd rather die than live in the city.4 used to say that one thing happens immediately after another thing : No sooner had I got into the house than the phone rang. Hardly had they reached Edinburgh than they were ordered to return to London.
no sooner/hardly had ... than
No sooner had I got into the house than the phone rang.Hardly had they reached Edinburgh than they were ordered to return to London.