then
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Learner's definition of THEN
1
: at that time : at the time mentioned
- It was then believed (that) the Earth was flat.
- She lived in the Soviet Union, as it then was called.
- Just then he walked in.
- Back then, he was living in New York.
2
a — used to indicate what happened or happens next
- He walked down the street, then turned the corner.
- First the clowns come out, (and) then the elephants and lions (come out).
b — used to indicate what should be done next
- “Take your first right, (and) then turn left at the light,” he said.
- 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
- 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
- If you were there, then you must have seen him.
- If it rains, then we can't go.
- “It's raining.” “Then we can't go.”
- “He confessed.” “The case is closed, then.”
- If you want it, then take it. = Take it, then, if you want it.
- Hurry, then, if you want to catch the bus.
- What if there should be a fire? What then? [=what will happen then?]
◊ Then is often omitted following if.
- 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
- You did go, then, after all.
- Your mind is made up, then?
c — used to say what has been agreed to or decided
- 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
- These, then, are the things you must do.
- 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
- All right, then, let's get started.
2 then /ˈðɛn/ noun
2 then
/ˈðɛn/
noun
Learner's definition of THEN
[singular]
: that time
- Since then, I've been more careful.
- He advised me to wait until then.
- They'll announce their decision next week. Until then, she'll just have to hope for the best.
- We should get there before then.
- They were friends from then on.
- Nothing like that had ever happened up to then.
3 then /ˈðɛn/ adjective
3 then
/ˈðɛn/
adjective
Learner's definition of THEN
always used before a noun
: existing at or belonging to the time mentioned
- She was appointed to the position by Connecticut's then governor. [=by the person who was Connecticut's governor at that time]
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Comments & Questions
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