then Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun that time; that moment
    • we will arrive before then
    • we were friends from then on
  2. adjective satellite at a specific prior time
    • the then president
  3. adverb subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
    and so; so; and then.
    • 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
  4. adverb 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
  5. adverb at that time
    • I was young then
    • prices were lower back then
    • science as it was then taught

WordNet

Then adverb
Etymology
Originally the same word as than. See Than.
Definitions
  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.
    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.
    ✍ Then is often used elliptically, like an adjective, for then existing; as, the then administration.
Then conjunction
Definitions
  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. 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.

Webster 1913