Then: meaning, definitions and examples

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then

 

[ ðɛn ]

Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in that case

At that time; next; afterward. At the time that; immediately after; as soon as. In that case; accordingly; consequently. In addition; moreover; besides. Under certain circumstances or conditions; if that is the case. In that order; in the sequence previously mentioned. Therefore; as a result; consequently.

Synonyms

afterward, besides, consequently, moreover, next

Examples of usage

  • First the ants ate most of the food, then the birds came and finished it off.
  • I was young then, and didn't really understand the significance of the event.
  • He was sick then, but now he's feeling much better.
  • We were happy then, but things have changed since.
  • If you want to go, then let's leave now.
  • First I'll finish my work, then we can go out for dinner.
  • They were childhood friends, and then they became business partners.

Translations

Translations of the word "then" in other languages:

🇵🇹 então

🇮🇳 तब

🇩🇪 dann

🇮🇩 kemudian

🇺🇦 тоді

🇵🇱 potem

🇯🇵 それから

🇫🇷 alors

🇪🇸 entonces

🇹🇷 sonra

🇰🇷 그때

🇸🇦 ثم

🇨🇿 potom

🇸🇰 potom

🇨🇳 然后

🇸🇮 potem

🇮🇸 þá

🇰🇿 содан кейін

🇬🇪 შემდეგ

🇦🇿 sonra

🇲🇽 entonces

Etymology

The word 'then' originated from the Old English word 'þanne', which means 'at that time' or 'next'. Over the years, its usage has evolved to include various meanings such as 'in that case', 'consequently', 'moreover', and 'besides'. 'Then' is a versatile word that is commonly used in everyday language to indicate the sequence of events or logical consequences.

See also: the, thee.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #59, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.