then
9 ENTRIES FOUND:
Britannica Dictionary definition of THEN
1
:
at that time
:
at the time mentioned
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It was then believed (that) the Earth was flat.
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She lived in the Soviet Union, as it then was called.
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Just then he walked in.
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Back then, he was living in New York.
2
a
— used to indicate what happened or happens next
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He walked down the street, then turned the corner.
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First the clowns come out, (and) then the elephants and lions (come out).
b
— used to indicate what should be done next
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“Take your first right, (and) then turn left at the light,” he said.
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Bring the soup to a boil, then turn down the heat and let it simmer for half an hour.
c
— used to indicate something more that must be done or thought of
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We need to choose the menu, rent a banquet hall, and then there are the invitations to send.
3
a
— used to indicate what must be true or what must or should happen if something else is true or happens
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If you were there, then you must have seen him.
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If it rains, then we can't go.
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“It's raining.” “Then we can't go.”
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“He confessed.” “The case is closed, then.”
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If you want it, then take it. = Take it, then, if you want it.
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Hurry, then, if you want to catch the bus.
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What if there should be a fire? What then? [=what will happen then?]
◊ Then is often omitted following if.
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If it rains, (then) we can't go.
b
— used to say or ask about what appears to be true based on what has happened or been said
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You did go, then, after all.
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Your mind is made up, then?
c
— used to say what has been agreed to or decided
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OK, then, I'll see you at seven o'clock.
d
somewhat formal
— used to make a final statement that refers back to the things that have just been mentioned or described
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These, then, are the things you must do.
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All of us, then, must accept some blame for these problems.
4
— used after words like all right and OK at the beginning of a statement
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All right, then, let's get started.
2
then
/ˈðɛn/
noun
2
then
/ˈðɛn/
noun
Britannica Dictionary definition of THEN
[singular]
:
that time
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Since then, I've been more careful.
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He advised me to wait until then.
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They'll announce their decision next week. Until then, she'll just have to hope for the best.
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We should get there before then.
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They were friends from then on.
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Nothing like that had ever happened up to then.
3
then
/ˈðɛn/
adjective
3
then
/ˈðɛn/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of THEN
always used before a noun
:
existing at or belonging to the time mentioned
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She was appointed to the position by Connecticut's then governor. [=by the person who was Connecticut's governor at that time]
