thorough - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
thorough Word Meanings
- complete in every detail
- entirely or fully done
- careful and precise
thorough Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
thorough Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈθʌrəʊ/
US
/ˈθɜːroʊ/
thorough Word Etymology
Root: thorough (Old English 'þurh' = through) + suffix (-ough). Origin: Old English → Middle English → Modern English. Memory image: Imagine walking through a thorough, detailed garden, seeing every tiny flower just as it is meant to be.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my hand on the desk and move my attention from the big idea to every small detail. I shift my gaze from first impressions to the edge of each thought, and I adjust my pace when a corner feels sticky. I keep pushing through tiny checks, holding the line until the work fits together. When I’m done, the result doesn’t feel fuzzy—it feels thorough, with each part in its own place.
Real Context
Thorough is a versatile adjective used to describe actions, investigations, or preparations that leave nothing important out. In English, it often collocates with nouns like review, examination, search, and cleaning: a thorough review, a thorough examination, a thorough cleaning. It implies careful, complete, and detailed attention, sometimes with a sense of rigor or meticulousness. Be careful not to confuse it with thorough’s adverb form, thoroughly, which is used to describe the extent of an action rather than the nature of the object. When describing a person, you can say someone is thorough, meaning they are methodical and diligent. In everyday speech, a thorough job is valued for its completeness, accuracy, and reliability.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: 1) thorough describes people or tasks, 2) pair with nouns like review or examination, 3) avoid using it as an adverb, 4) distinguish from through and though, 5) use thoroughly for the adverb form, 6) check for nuances of rigor vs completeness
Common Misconceptions
- It means fast or quick work.
- It means to go through something quickly.
- Thorough and thoroughly have the same POS in all contexts.
- You can say 'a thoroughly job' or 'a thoroughly job'.
- It's only used for cleaning.
Thinking Differences
In English, thorough emphasizes complete detail and careful methodology; learners often worry about using it for quick tasks, but it pairs with detailed nouns to stress depth.
Learning Tips
- Pair with nouns that imply depth (examination, review, cleaning).
- Differentiate thoroughly (adverb) from thorough (adjective).
- Use in formal contexts to emphasize rigor.
- Notice common collocations (thorough analysis, thorough check).
- Practice contrasting with superficial or partial.
- Listen for stress: thorough not through; purpose is completeness.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'thorough'?
A.Messy
B.Careful
C.Quick
D.Lazy
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'thorough' correctly?
A.He did a half-hearted job on the project.
B.They were lazy in their investigation.
C.I quickly glanced over the report.
D.She completed the task with thorough attention to detail.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'thorough'?
A.Superficial
B.Partial
C.Detailed
D.Shallow
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'thorough'?
A.Careless
B.Lazy
C.Quick
D.Rapid
Step 5: Mastery
How would being 'thorough' benefit you in a research project?
A.It would slow down the process.
B.It would help ensure accuracy and completeness.
C.It would lead to vague results.
D.It would make you careless in your findings.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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