Definitions for: Then


[n] that time; that moment; "we will arrive before then"; "we were friends from then on"
[adv] subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors); "then he left"; "go left first, then right"; "first came lightning, then thunder"; "we watched the late movie and then went to bed"; "and so home and to bed"
[adv] at that time; "I was young then"; "prices were lower back then"; "science as it was then taught"
[adv] in that case or as a consequence; "if he didn't take it, then who did?"; "keep it then if you want to"; "the case, then, is closed"; "you've made up your mind then?"; "then you'll be rich"



Webster (1913) Definition: Then ([th][e^]n), adv. [Originally the same word as than.
See Than.]
1. At that time (referring to a time specified, either past
or future).

And the Canaanite was then in the land. --Gen. xii.
6.

Now I know in part; but then shall I know even as
also I am known. --1 Cor. xiii.
12.

2. Soon afterward, or immediately; next; afterward.

First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come
and offer thy gift. --Matt. v. 24.

3. At another time; later; again.

One while the master is not aware of what is done,
and then in other cases it may fall out to be own
act. --L'Estrange.

By then.
(a) By that time.
(b) By the time that. [Obs.]

But that opinion, I trust, by then this
following argument hath been well read, will be
left for one of the mysteries of an indulgent
Antichrist. --Milton.

Now and then. See under Now, adv.

Till then, until that time; until the time mentioned.
--Milton.

Note: Then is often used elliptically, like an adjective, for
then existing; as, the then administration.


Then, conj.
1. Than. [Obs.] --Spenser.

2. In that case; in consequence; as a consequence; therefore;
for this reason.

If all this be so, then man has a natural freedom.
--Locke.

Now, then, be all thy weighty cares away. --Dryden.

Syn: Therefore.

Usage: Then, Therefore. Both these words are used in
reasoning; but therefore takes the lead, while then is
rather subordinate or incidental. Therefore states
reasons and draws inferences in form; then, to a great
extent, takes the point as proved, and passes on to
the general conclusion. ``Therefore being justified by
faith, we have peace with God.'' --Rom. v. 1. ``So
then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word
of God.'' --Rom. x. 17.

Synonyms: and so, and then, so

See Also: point, point in time

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