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“Throe” or “Throw”

throe / throw are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term.

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Definitions

What each term means

Same sound, different spellings and meanings, shown with a pronunciation guide for each term.

throe

  • nounsevere spasm of pain.
  • nounhard or painful trouble or struggle.

throw th·r·OW

  • nounthe act of throwing (propelling something with a rapid movement of the arm and wrist).
  • nouna single chance or instance.
  • nounthe maximum movement available to a pivoted or reciprocating piece by a cam.
  • nounbedclothes consisting of a lightweight cloth covering (an afghan or bedspread) that is casually thrown over something.
  • nouncasting an object in order to determine an outcome randomly.
  • verbpropel through the air.
  • verbmove violently, energetically, or carelessly.
  • verbplace or put with great energy.
  • verbcause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation.
  • verbto put into a state or activity hastily, suddenly, or carelessly.
  • verbmake on a potter's wheel.
  • verbcause to fall off.
  • verbthrow (a die) out onto a flat surface.
Usage

Examples in context

Real sentences for each spelling. Hover an example to copy it.

“throe”

No example sentences found for this spelling.

“throw”

  • …Wood on her inability to throw away her mother's library card.
  • Let’s not throw the baby out with the
  • …to a well-executed Chris Gayle throw.
  • It’s not easy to throw punches when he’s moving around…
  • His personal best throw in the shot put was…
  • …in, Triple H entered and throw Chyna to the floor before…
  • …63.44 metres in the discus throw, achieved in May 2007 in
  • …and Kostiukovich fell on a throw triple Salchow.
  • …bag and an anticipated return throw from first.
  • He proceeded to throw Austin into the cage several

Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions are drawn from WordNet.

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