then

[ then ]
See synonyms for then on Thesaurus.com
adverb
  1. at that time: Prices were lower then.

  2. immediately or soon afterward: The rain stopped and then started again.

  1. next in order of time: We ate, then we started home.

  2. at the same time: At first the water seemed blue, then gray.

  3. next in order of place: Standing beside Charlie is my uncle, then my cousin, then my brother.

  4. in addition; besides; also: I love my job, and then it pays so well.

  5. in that case; as a consequence; in those circumstances: If you're sick, then you should stay in bed.

  6. 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.

Idioms about then

  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: I started to pack my things right then and there.: Also there and then.

Origin of then

1
First recorded before 900; Middle English than(n)e, then(ne), Old English thonne, thanne, thænne; cf. than; akin to that

synonym study For then

8. See therefore.

Words that may be confused with then

Words Nearby then

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use then in a sentence

  • England alone-then a comparatively weak and insignificant country-stood out against this overwhelming combination.

    Is Ulster Right? | Anonymous
  • Do we not see that it is highly requisite that a sweet girl should be now-and-then drawn aside by him?

    Clarissa, Volume 6 (of 9) | Samuel Richardson
  • Have you now related all the conversation you had at that time with then-Vice President Johnson?

    Warren Commission (7 of 26): Hearings Vol. VII (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
  • And what conversations, if any, did you have with then-Vice President Johnson?

    Warren Commission (7 of 26): Hearings Vol. VII (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
  • Wouldst find the fair lady Fate chooses for you?then search ye this line of wee pin-pricks clear through.

    Suppers | Paul Pierce

British Dictionary definitions for then

then

/ (ðɛn) /


adverb
  1. at that time; over that period of time

  2. (sentence modifier) in that case; that being so: then why don't you ask her?; if he comes, then you'll have to leave; go on then, take it

  1. then and there See there (def. 6)

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

Origin of then

1
Old English thenne; related to Old Saxon, Old High German thanna; see than

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with then

then

In addition to the idioms beginning with then

  • then again
  • then and there

also see:

  • and then some
  • every now and then

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.