hence

[ hens ]

adverb

1. as an inference from this fact; for this reason; therefore:

   The eggs were very fresh and hence satisfactory.

2. from this time; from now:

   They will leave a month hence.

3. from this source or origin.
4. Archaic.
   1. from this place; from here; away:

      The inn is but a quarter mile hence.

   2. from this world or from the living:

      After a long, hard life they were taken hence.

   3. henceforth; from this time on.

interjection

1. Obsolete. depart (usually used imperatively).

hence

/ hɛns /

sentence connector

1. for this reason; following from this; therefore

adverb

1. from this time

   a year hence

2. archaic.
   1. from here or from this world; away
   2. from this origin or source

interjection

1. archaic.
   begone! away!

Word History and Origins

Origin of hence¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English hens, hennes, equivalent to henne ( Old English heonan ) + -es adverb suffix; -s ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hence¹

Old English hionane; related to Old High German hinana away from here, Old Irish cen on this side

Example Sentences

His mother said he had recently told her it had felt as if there was "no end in sight" because of strict post-parole licensing rules, hence "falling back into old behaviours".

From BBC

Hence the rise of the defined contribution, popularized by the first Reagan tax cut bill in 1981.

From Salon

Most of them are found in Jaisalmer and hence, conservation activists say that the bird's habitat in the city should be protected.

From BBC

No-one is suggesting for one moment this is the fate awaiting them this time, but this is a very average United side getting very average results, hence the acquisition of the highly-regarded Amorim.

From BBC

The tightrope that you have to walk, hence the reason we need certain people running our country and not shooting from the hip.

From Los Angeles Times