Thru Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/θru:/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Preposition

Definition

A word used to indicate a path or direction, often used informally as an alternative to “through”. It can be used to describe a journey or movement from one place to another.

Examples

• I drove thru the city to get to the airport.
• She hiked thru the forest to find a scenic view.

Synonyms

• Through
• Across
• Over

Antonyms

• Around
• Beyond

Etymology

The word “thru” originated in the 19th century in the United States, derived from the intensive form of “through” and initially used in informal writing. It gained widespread usage in the 20th century and is now commonly used in spoken language.

Usage Notes

“Thru” is often used in informal contexts, such as in spoken language or in casual writing, to indicate a path or direction. However, it is generally considered nonstandard in formal writing, where “through” would be preferred.

Cultural References

“Thru” has been featured in various forms of popular culture, including songs, films, and literature. It is often used to convey a sense of movement or journey, particularly in music and poetry.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Thru and thru” is an idiom that means from start to finish, completely, or entirely.

Related Words or Phrases

• Through
• Across
• Over

Collocations

• “driving thru the city”
• “hiking thru the forest”

Frequency of Use

“Thru” is a commonly used word, particularly in informal contexts, but its frequency varies depending on the register and dialect.

Common Misspellings

• Threw
• Through