■ preposition & adverb
1》 moving in one side and out of the other side of (an opening or location).
↘so as to make a hole or passage in.
↘[ preposition ] expressing the position or location of something beyond (an opening or an obstacle).
↘expressing the extent of changing orientation.
2》 continuing in time to or towards completion of.
↘from beginning to end of (an experience or activity).
3》 so as to inspect all or part of.
4》 [ preposition ] N. Amer. up to and including (a particular point in a sequence): from March 24 ~ May 7.
5》 by means of.
6》 [ adverb ] so as to be connected by telephone.
■ adjective
1》 (of public transport or a ticket) continuing or valid to the final destination.
2》 (of traffic, roads, etc.) passing continuously from one side and out of the other side.
3》 having successfully passed to the next stage of a competition.
4》 informal having finished an activity, relationship, etc.: you and I are ~.
Phrases
~ and ~ thoroughly or completely.
Origin
OE thurh , of Gmc origin.