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than

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conjunction, preposition  strong American English pronunciation: than /ðæn/  weak American English pronunciation: than /ðən/
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. (followed by a number): A crowd of more than 10,000 had gathered. Object pronouns are normally used after than: He was three years older than me. Some people think that it is more correct to use subject pronouns after than, but this sounds very formal and old-fashioned: No one could have worked harder than she.
Than is used especially after a comparative adjective or adverb.
 
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    used when making comparisons

    Nylon is considerably stronger than cotton.

    Diesel fuel was less expensive than gasoline.

    Is the world a safer place than it was a year ago?

    We don't want to do more than is necessary.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of than
  2. 2
    used when you are saying that a particular number or amount is above or below a certain level
    more/less than:

    No one should have to wait more than 24 hours to see a doctor.

    a small town of less than 5,000 people

  3. 3
    used for saying that one description or possibility is preferred to another

    It was more a friendly warning than a threat.

    Most criminals would rather go to prison than meet their victims.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of than
See also

This is the American English definition of than. View British English definition of than.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

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