Then: meaning, definitions and examples
⏳
then
[ðɛn ]
Definition
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled 'þenne,' which means 'at that time.'
- It evolved through Middle English, adapting the spelling and pronunciation to its current form over centuries.
- Historically, it has been used both as a conjunction and an adverb, illustrating its versatile role in language.
Grammar
- 'Then' is often used in conditional sentences, linking different scenarios, like 'If it rains, then we will stay indoors.'
- 'Then' helps specify the succession of events, clarifying when something occurs in relation to another.
- It sometimes appears in phrases indicating change, such as 'back then,' which refers to a past time.
Literature
- In storytelling, 'then' is crucial for pacing, guiding readers through the sequence of events.
- Authors often use 'then' to create tension by delaying the outcome, leading the audience to wonder what will happen next.
- Classic novels and modern works alike rely on this word to maintain clarity in their narrative flow.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'and then' is commonly found in memes and storytelling formats online, often leading to humorous or unexpected conclusions.
- 'Then' often features prominently in song lyrics, indicating a shift in emotion or narrative, connecting different parts of a story.
- TV shows and movies frequently use 'then' in cliffhangers, exciting viewers with what happens next.
Language Learning
- For non-native speakers, mastering the use of 'then' can help in understanding and constructing logical sequences in conversation.
- It's a key word taught in English language classes, essential for connecting sentences and enhancing fluency.
- Learning to use 'then' properly can assist learners in following conversations better, as it clarifies the timeline of events.
Translations
Translations of the word "then" in other languages:
🇵🇹 então
- depois
- em seguida
🇮🇳 तब
- फिर
- उसके बाद
🇩🇪 dann
- danach
- anschließend
🇮🇩 kemudian
- lalu
- setelah itu
🇺🇦 тоді
- потім
- після того
🇵🇱 potem
- następnie
- wtedy
🇯🇵 それから
- その後
- 次に
🇫🇷 alors
- puis
- ensuite
🇪🇸 entonces
- luego
- después
🇹🇷 sonra
- daha sonra
- ondan sonra
🇰🇷 그때
- 그 다음에
- 그 후에
🇸🇦 ثم
- بعد ذلك
- حينئذ
🇨🇿 potom
- pak
- následně
🇸🇰 potom
- následne
- vtedy
🇨🇳 然后
- 接着
- 那时
🇸🇮 potem
- nato
- takrat
🇮🇸 þá
- síðan
- eftir það
🇰🇿 содан кейін
- кейін
- сол кезде
🇬🇪 შემდეგ
- მაშინ
- მოგვიანებით
🇦🇿 sonra
- daha sonra
- ondan sonra
🇲🇽 entonces
- luego
- después