throughout

Throughout is an English word that functions as both a preposition and an adverb. As a preposition, it introduces a phrase indicating extent across an entire space or period: for example, throughout the city or throughout the year. As an adverb, it means in every part or during the whole time: for instance, The house was renovated throughout. It can modify verbs, adjectives, or nouns in a clause to express comprehensive coverage.

Usage notes define throughout as signaling completeness or total distribution. It is commonly followed by a noun phrase such as throughout the country, throughout the night, or throughout the book. In timing contexts, it emphasizes continuity across a duration, as in The policy applied throughout the decade. In many contexts, throughout carries a stronger sense of total reach than synonyms like across or in, and it is typically preferred as a single word rather than a two-word construction.

Etymology and form: throughout is a compound that arose from through and out and is now typically written as a single word in modern English. Its pronunciation is roughly two syllables, often rendered as “throo-out,” though regional variation can occur. The word is widely used in formal and informal writing and appears in contexts ranging from literature and journalism to technical documentation.

Common collocations include throughout the country, throughout history, throughout the year, and throughout the process. Related terms express similar sense of scope or duration, such as across, during, or from beginning to end, but throughout uniquely emphasizes universal or complete coverage across an area or period.