since

[ sins ]

adverb

1. from then till now (often preceded by ever ):

   He was elected in 1978 and has been president ever since.

2. between a particular past time and the present; subsequently:

   She at first refused, but has since consented.

3. before now; ago:

   long since.

preposition

1. continuously from or counting from:

   It has been warm since noon.

2. between a past time or event and the present:

   There have been many changes since the war.

conjunction

1. in the period following the time when:

   He has written once since he left.

2. continuously from or counting from the time when:

   He has been busy since he came.

3. because; inasmuch as:

   Since you're already here, you might as well stay.

since

/ sɪns /

preposition

1. during or throughout the period of time after

   since May it has only rained once

conjunction

1. sometimes preceded by ever continuously from or starting from the time when

   since we last met, important things have happened

2. seeing that; because

   since you have no money, you can't come

adverb

1. since that time

   he left yesterday and I haven't seen him since

Usage Note

See as ¹.

Usage

See ago

Word History and Origins

Origin of since¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Late Middle English (adverb) syns, sinnes “thereupon, afterwards,” Middle English (adverb and conjunction) sithenes “afterwards, from (the specified time), because,” equivalent to sithen “after that, since” ( Old English siththan, originally sīth thām “after that”) + -es; sith, -s ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of since¹

Old English sīththan, literally: after that; related to Old High German sīd since, Latin sērus late

Idioms and Phrases

see greatest thing since sliced bread .

Example Sentences

Thousands of scientists and plant breeders have since used that genome in their own research on the genetic makeup underlying various characteristics, such as seed protein and oil content, plant architecture and productivity, and disease resistance and abiotic stress tolerance in soybeans.

From Science Daily

Although some of the duplicated genes have since been lost, Ma thinks the duplication events may have given rise to altered or alternative transcription sites.

From Science Daily

Since then he’s also gained popularity for the special “Matthew Steven Rife,” released in April 2023, and his Netflix debut “Matt Rife: Natural Selection,” released in November 2023.

From Los Angeles Times

And yes, he’s put in time since then on the road as an opening act for more established country stars such as Morgan Wallen and Cole Swindell.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’ve been studying the intersections of emerging technologies, data-driven technologies, AI and human rights and social justice for the past 15 years, and since the pandemic I’ve noticed the industry has become hyper-focused on our bodies,” said Mozilla Foundation technology fellow Júlia Keserű, who conducted the research.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afterward
• ago
• already
• later
• therefore

When To Use

What are other ways to say since?

The conjunction since means “because” or “inasmuch as.” How is it different from because, as, for, and inasmuch as? Find out on Thesaurus.com.