then

[ then ]

adverb

1. at that time:

   Prices were lower then.

2. immediately or soon afterward:

   The rain stopped and then started again.

3. next in order of time:

   We ate, then we started home.

4. at the same time:

   At first the water seemed blue, then gray.

5. next in order of place:

   Standing beside Charlie is my uncle, then my cousin, then my brother.

6. in addition; besides; also:

   I love my job, and then it pays so well.

7. in that case; as a consequence; in those circumstances:

   If you're sick, then you should stay in bed.

8. since that is so; as it appears; therefore:

   You have, then, found the mistake?

   You are leaving tonight then.

adjective

1. being; being such; existing or being at the time indicated:

   the then prime minister.

noun

1. that time:

   We have not been back since then.

   Till then, farewell.

then

/ ðɛn /

adverb

1. at that time; over that period of time
2. sentence modifier in that case; that being so

   go on then, take it

   if he comes, then you'll have to leave

   then why don't you ask her?

3. then and there
   See there

sentence connector

1. after that; with that

   then John left the room and didn't return

noun

1. that time

   before then

   from then on

adjective

1. prenominal existing, functioning, etc, at that time

   the then prime minister

Word History and Origins

Origin of then¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English than(n)e, then(ne), Old English thonne, thanne, thænne; than; akin to that

Word History and Origins

Origin of then¹

Old English thenne; related to Old Saxon, Old High German thanna; see than

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. but then, but on the other hand:

   I found their conversation very dull, but then I have different tastes.

2. then and there, at that precise time and place; at once; on the spot: Also there and then.

   I started to pack my things right then and there.

More idioms and phrases containing then

• and then some
• every now and then

Synonym Study

See therefore.

Example Sentences

Then we pivot quite quickly to the thought of filming it, and what does that mean?

From Los Angeles Times

So then we start thinking, Well, what about capturing it for the screen it happens to be on right now?

From Los Angeles Times

Then the camera starts moving around.

From Los Angeles Times

Then you give them a tab of acid and it goes in a completely different direction.

From Los Angeles Times

The Justice Department closed its investigation last year without filing charges against Gaetz; the Ethics Committee then opened its own inquiry.

From Salon

Related Words

• again
• formerly
• later
• next
• suddenly