Pronunciation

/ðæn/

Definitions

• Adjective: Used to compare two things or people, indicating that one is of greater or lesser quality, size, or quantity. For example: “This house is bigger than the previous one.”
• Preposition: Expresses a relationship between a noun or pronoun and another element in a sentence, often indicating comparison or contrast. For example: “She’s more experienced than her colleagues.”

Phrases

• “In comparison to” or “than others” is used to introduce a comparison.
• “More… than” or “less… than” structures are common for making comparisons.
• “As… as… or more/less than” is used to show equality or inequality.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “The new car has a higher fuel efficiency than its predecessor.”
• Preposition: “She’s taller than any other person in her class.”
• “His determination is stronger than his fear.”

Synonyms (Adjective)

• Comparative form of “more” (e.g., greater, superior, better, larger)
• Comparative form of “less” (e.g., inferior, worse, smaller)

Synonyms (Preposition)

• Compared to
• Relative to
• In relation to
• Compared with
• When compared to

Note: “Than” can also be used as a conjunction in compound comparative constructions, but it is not included in this format as a standalone word. For example: “She’s the fastest runner than anyone else in the race.”