prep.
Pronunciation: th ə n, ' th an
Function: conjunction
Etymology: Middle English than, then then, than ― more at THEN
Date: before 12th century
1 a ― used as a function word to indicate the second member or the member taken as the point of departure in a comparison expressive of inequality ― used with comparative adjectives and comparative adverbs <older than I am> <easier said than done> b ― used as a function word to indicate difference of kind, manner, or identity ― used especially with some adjectives and adverbs that express diversity <anywhere else than at home>
2 : rather than ― usually used only after prefer, preferable, and preferably
3 : other than
4 : WHEN 1B ― used especially after scarcely and hardly