虽则 is a formal, literary conjunction meaning 'although' or 'even though'. It functions identically to the more common 虽然 but appears primarily in written Chinese—such as classical texts, formal essays, official documents, and literary prose—and is rarely used in everyday speech. The character 虽 carries the core meaning of concession ('despite'), while 则 serves as a grammatical particle reinforcing contrast or logical sequence; together, they form a fixed, two-character conjunction emphasizing a strong contrast between two clauses.

This word introduces a concessive clause that precedes and contrasts with the main clause (which usually follows after a comma or period). Like other concessive conjunctions in Chinese, it does not require a corresponding 'but' or 'however' in the main clause—the contrast is implied. While structurally parallel to 虽然, 虽则 conveys greater stylistic weight and solemnity, making it suitable for rhetorical emphasis or elevated expression.