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
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Trough and Through Definitions
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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
Trough
A point of low activity or achievement.
The company's sales hit a trough last year.
Sara Rehman
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Through
Having no more use, value, or potential; washed-up
That swimmer is through as an athlete.
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
(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
Completely.
Leave the yarn in the dye overnight so the color soaks through.
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
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
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
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
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 RiazSawaira 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 SaeedSumera 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.
