Difference Wiki

Trough vs. Through: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 12, 2023
A trough is a long, narrow container, while through is a preposition indicating movement from one side to another.

Key Differences

"Trough" and "Through" are distinct words with different pronunciations and meanings. "Trough" often refers to a container, typically elongated, used to hold water or food for animals. In contrast, "Through" is a versatile word that can function as a preposition, adverb, or adjective. It usually conveys the idea of entering one side and exiting the other. One could say the water flows through a pipe, but it might collect in a trough.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
When considering their etymological roots, "Trough" comes from Old English "troh," which means a hollow or vessel, while "Through" comes from Old English "þurh," related to passing or moving. Even phonetically, they differ; "Trough" is pronounced as "trof" in American English, while "Through" is pronounced as "throo."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
In everyday usage, "Trough" commonly signifies containers in farming or even valleys between waves. "Through," on the other hand, appears frequently in various contexts, from describing movement (going through a tunnel) to indicating time (all through the night). Importantly, "Through" has a broader range of application than "Trough."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Though these words might appear similar at a glance due to their spelling, their usages and contexts are distinctly different. It's essential to discern between them to ensure clarity in communication.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Noun
Preposition, Adverb, Adjective
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
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Pronunciation

Trof
Throo
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Basic Meaning

A long container or depression
Moving from one side to another
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Origin

Old English "troh"
Old English "þurh"
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Example

Used for feeding animals
Indicating movement or passage
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Trough and Through Definitions

Trough

The lowest point in a wave.
After the wave crest, the trough followed.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
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Through

Moving in one side and out of the other side.
She walked through the door.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023

Trough

A long, narrow open container for animals to eat or drink from.
The horse drank water from the trough.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023

Through

Continuing in time toward completion.
He worked through the night.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Trough

A point of low activity or achievement.
The company's sales hit a trough last year.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023

Through

As a result of; because of.
She succeeded through hard work.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
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Trough

A long, hollowed-out area, such as those used for communal eating in ancient times.
The old church had a stone trough for holy water.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023

Through

Indicating the extent or degree of something.
The rumor spread through the town.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023

Trough

A long, narrow, generally shallow receptacle for holding water or feed for animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

In one side and out the opposite or another side of
Went through the tunnel.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

Any of various similar containers for domestic or industrial use, such as kneading or washing.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Among or between; in the midst of
A walk through the flowers.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A gutter under the edge of a roof for carrying off rainwater.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

By way of
Climbed in through the window.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A long, narrow depression, as between waves or ridges.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

By the means or agency of
Bought the antique vase through a dealer.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A low point in a business cycle or on a statistical graph.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Into and out of the handling, care, processing, modification, or consideration of
Her application went through our office. Run the figures through the computer.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

(Meteorology) An elongated region of relatively low atmospheric pressure, often associated with a front.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Here and there in; around
A tour through France.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

(Physics) A minimum point in a wave or an alternating signal.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

From the beginning to the end of
Stayed up through the night.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A long, narrow container, open on top, for feeding or watering animals.
One of Hank's chores was to slop the pigs' trough each morning and evening.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

At or to the end of; done or finished with, especially successfully
We are through the initial testing period.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

Any similarly shaped container.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Up to and including
A play that runs through December.
A volume that covers A through D.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A rectangular container used for washing or rinsing clothes.
Ernest threw his paint brushes into a kind of trough he had fashioned from sheet metal that he kept in the sink.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Past and without stopping for
Drove through a red light.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A short, narrow canal designed to hold water until it drains or evaporates.
There was a small trough that the sump pump emptied into; it was filled with mosquito larvae.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Because of; on account of
She succeeded through hard work. He declined the honor through modesty.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

(Canada) A gutter under the eaves of a building; an eaves trough.
The troughs were filled with leaves and needed clearing.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

From one end or side to another or an opposite end or side
Opened the door and went through.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A channel for conveying water or other farm liquids (such as milk) from place to place by gravity; any ‘U’ or ‘V’ cross-sectioned irrigation channel.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

From beginning to end; completely
I read the article once through.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A long, narrow depression between waves or ridges; the low portion of a wave cycle.
The buoy bobbed between the crests and troughs of the waves moving across the bay.
The neurologist pointed to a troubling trough in the pattern of his brain-waves.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Throughout the whole extent or thickness; thoroughly
Warmed the leftovers clear through.
Got soaked through in the rain.
A letter that was shot through with the writer's personality.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

(economy) low turning point or a local minimum of a business cycle
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Over the total distance; all the way
Drove through to their final destination.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

(meteorology) A linear atmospheric depression associated with a weather front.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

To a conclusion or an accomplishment
See a matter through.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

To eat in a vulgar style, as if from a trough.
He troughed his way through three meat pies.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Allowing continuous passage; unobstructed
A through street.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A long, hollow vessel, generally for holding water or other liquid, especially one formed by excavating a log longitudinally on one side; a long tray; also, a wooden channel for conveying water, as to a mill wheel.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Affording transportation to a destination with few or no stops and no transfers
A through bus.
A through ticket.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

Any channel, receptacle, or depression, of a long and narrow shape; as, trough between two ridges, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Continuing on a highway without exiting
Through traffic.
Through lanes.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

The transverse section of a cyclonic area where the barometric pressure, neither rising nor falling, has reached its lowest point.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Passing or extending from one end, side, or surface to another
A through beam.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A narrow depression (as in the earth or between ocean waves or in the ocean bed)
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Having finished; at completion
She was through with the project.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A channel along the eaves or on the roof; collects and carries away rainwater
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Having no further concern, dealings, or connection
I'm through with him.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A concave shape with an open top
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Having no more use, value, or potential; washed-up
That swimmer is through as an athlete.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A treasury for government funds
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Doomed to death or destruction.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A long narrow shallow receptacle
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

From one side of an opening to the other.
I went through the window.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A container (usually in a barn or stable) from which cattle or horses feed
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Entering, then later leaving.
I drove through the town at top speed without looking left or right.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Trough

A channel used to convey a liquid.
The gutter served as a trough for the rainwater.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023

Through

Surrounded by (while moving).
We slogged through the mud for hours before turning back and giving up.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

By means of.
This team believes in winning through intimidation.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

In consequence of; as a result of.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

(North America) To (or up to) and including, with all intermediate values.
From 1945 through 1991;
The numbers 1 through 9;
Your membership is active through March 15, 2013
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Passing from one side of something to the other.
Interstate highways form a nationwide system of through roads.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Finished; complete.
They were through with laying the subroof by noon.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Without a future; done for.
After being implicated in the scandal, he was through as an executive in financial services.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

No longer interested; wearied or turned off by experience.
She was through with him.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Proceeding from origin to destination without delay due to change of equipment.
The through flight through Memphis was the fastest.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

(association football) In possession of the ball beyond the last line of defence but not necessarily the goalkeeper; through on goal.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

From one side to the other by way of the interior.
The arrow went straight through.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

From one end to the other.
Others slept; he worked straight through.
She read the letter through.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

During a period of time; throughout
He worked through the night.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

To the end.
He said he would see it through.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Completely.
Leave the yarn in the dye overnight so the color soaks through.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Out into the open.
The American army broke through at Saint-Lô.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

A large slab of stone laid in a dry-stone wall from one side to the other; a perpend.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

(obsolete) A coffin, sarcophagus or tomb of stone; a large slab of stone laid on a tomb.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

From end to end of, or from side to side of; from one surface or limit of, to the opposite; into and out of at the opposite, or at another, point; as, to bore through a piece of timber, or through a board; a ball passes through the side of a ship.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Between the sides or walls of; within; as, to pass through a door; to go through an avenue.
Through the gate of ivory he dismissedHis valiant offspring.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

By means of; by the agency of.
Through these hands this science has passed with great applause.
Material things are presented only through their senses.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Over the whole surface or extent of; as, to ride through the country; to look through an account.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Among or in the midst of; - used to denote passage; as, a fish swims through the water; the light glimmers through a thicket.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

From the beginning to the end of; to the end or conclusion of; as, through life; through the year.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

From one end or side to the other; as, to pierce a thing through.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

From beginning to end; as, to read a letter through.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

To the end; to a conclusion; to the ultimate purpose; as, to carry a project through.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Going or extending through; going, extending, or serving from the beginning to the end; thorough; complete; as, a through line; a through ticket; a through train. Also, admitting of passage through; as, a through bridge.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Having finished or arrived at completion;
Certain to make history before he's done
It's a done deed
After the treatment, the patient is through except for follow-up
Almost through with his studies
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Of a route or journey etc.; continuing without requiring stops or changes;
A through street
A through bus
Through traffic
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

From one end or side to the other;
Jealousy pierced her through
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

From beginning to end;
Read this book through
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Over the whole distance;
This bus goes through to New York
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

To completion;
Think this through very carefully!
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

In diameter;
This cylinder measures 15 inches through
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

Throughout the entire extent;
Got soaked through in the rain
I'm frozen through
A letter shot through with the writer's personality
Knew him through and through
Boards rotten through and through
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 25, 2023

Through

At the end of; having finished.
He slept through the movie.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023

FAQs

Is "Trough" related to farming?

Yes, troughs are often used in farming to feed or water animals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Does "Trough" have meanings outside of containers?

Yes, like indicating the low point in a wave or a cycle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Can "Through" be used to describe a container?

No, "Through" describes movement or extent, not a container.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Can "Through" act as an adjective?

Yes, e.g., a "through road" means a road passing from one side to another.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023

Is "Trough" always a physical object?

No, it can also signify low points in abstract cycles, like business cycles.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023

Can "Through" describe the cause of something?

Yes, e.g., "She succeeded through determination."
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023

Are "Trough" and "Through" homophones?

No, they have different pronunciations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Can "Through" indicate time?

Yes, e.g., "She worked through the night."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023

Is "Trough" used in meteorology?

Yes, it can indicate areas of low atmospheric pressure.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023

Can "Trough" be used in finance?

Yes, indicating the lowest point in a business cycle.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Is "Through" synonymous with "Via"?

In some contexts, like indicating a medium or way, they can be synonymous.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023

Does "Through" always indicate a complete passage?

Generally, yes, indicating from start to finish or one side to another.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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