VocabDictionary

threw

/θruː/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

The past tense of throw; propelled something rapidly through the air by a rapid movement of the arm and wrist.

Example Sentences:
  • She threw the ball across the yard to her dog.
  • He threw the crumpled paper into the recycling bin.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “threw”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Middle English threw, from Old English þrāw, past tense of þrāwan ('to twist, turn, whirl, hurl'), from Proto-Germanic *þrewwanan. Cognate with Old High German drāen ('to turn, twist'). The meaning shifted from 'to twist or hurl with a twisting motion' to the general sense of casting or propelling an object.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

'Threw' and 'through' sound identical, but 'threw' has a 'w' like 'thrown' to show it's the past tense of an action.

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “threw

1. What is the meaning of “threw” in English?

In English, threw (verb) is defined as: “The past tense of throw; propelled something rapidly through the air by a rapid movement of the arm and wrist.”.

2. How do you use “threw” in a sentence?

She threw the ball across the yard to her dog.

3. What are English synonyms of “threw”?

Common synonyms include:tossed,flung,huddled,pitched

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “threw”?

Middle English threw, from Old English þrāw, past tense of þrāwan ('to twist, turn, whirl, hurl'), from Proto-Germanic *þrewwanan. Cognate with Old High German drāen ('to turn, twist'). The meaning shifted from 'to twist or hurl with a twisting motion' to the general sense of casting or propelling an object.