The letters -ough, five different ways

/kɑːf/noun

A sudden noisy push of air from the chest.

I have had this cough for a week.

/kɑːf/noun

A sudden noisy push of air from the chest.

Also an F, but the vowel is the one in off: COFF.

/draʊt/noun

A long period with no rain.

The drought lasted most of the summer.

/draʊt/noun

A long period with no rain.

Rhymes with out. Nothing like bought.

/ðoʊ/adverb

However, all the same.

It was cold, though the sun was out.

/ðoʊ/adverb

However, all the same.

Rhymes with go. The GH says nothing at all.

/tʌf/adjective

Hard to do, or hard to chew.

The meat was tough and rather dry.

/tʌf/adjective

Hard to do, or hard to chew.

The GH is an F: TUFF.

/ɪˈnʌf/adverb

As much as is needed.

There is not enough room for everyone.

/ɪˈnʌf/adverb

As much as is needed.

Another F, and the stress is on the second syllable: e-NUFF.

/doʊ/noun

Flour and water mixed ready for baking.

The dough needs to rest for an hour.

/doʊ/noun

Flour and water mixed ready for baking.

Rhymes with though and with go.

/θruː/adverb

From one side to the other.

We walked through the park to get here.

/θruː/adverb

From one side to the other.

Rhymes with too. Same four letters, different vowel.

/rʌf/adjective

Not smooth.

The road becomes rough after the bridge.

/rʌf/adjective

Not smooth.

Rhymes with tough and with stuff.

/ˈθɜːroʊ/adjective

Complete and careful, missing nothing.

They were very thorough with the checks.

/ˈθɜːroʊ/adjective

Complete and careful, missing nothing.

Two syllables, THUR-oh. It is not the same word as through.

/ˈbɜːrˌoʊ/noun

A town, or one district of a large city.

The old borough has its own market.

/ˈbɜːrˌoʊ/noun

A town, or one district of a large city.

Two syllables and the GH is silent: BUR-oh.