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

Music has always had strong emotional impact on human listeners in both contemporary and ancient cultures, hence its use in ritual religious and mythological contexts.

From Science Daily

A No 10 source told me the prime minister is “animated by solving the issue and is keen to proceed”, hence the meeting planned with the health secretary and chancellor in the next fortnight.

From BBC

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

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