Learn English – difference between “although” and “even though”

word-difference

Is there a difference between "although" and "even though" or they are synonyms?

By looking at the articles (see links above) in the dictionary, it seems that they are synonym. Does that mean that they are interchangeable in any case or it depends on context?

Best Answer

Both although and even though are used to mean "despite the fact that".
However, the latter is more emphatic than the former. For example:

  • Although he worked hard, he failed the test.
  • Even though he worked hard, he failed the test.

The use of even in the latter sentence puts emphasis on though; it makes the contrast between the main and subordinate clauses stronger or more emphatic.