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then

then

12 1.0
The time being talked about
  • noun
  • /ðɛn/
: entonces
  • But that was then and this is now.

Examples

  • But I wish I knew then what I know now.

  • There's my granddad, then my dad and then my dad's half brother and then me.

  • This church, then, would be one such.

  • And until then, am I wrong?

  • I remember my childhood fondly, but back then, life was much simpler.

  • She planned to travel to Paris in the spring; her flight departs then.

  • We celebrated our anniversary on a sunny day then, filled with laughter.

Synonyms

just then
vsthen
61 1.7

At the exact moment something happens

is used more generally to mark a specific time in the past or future
then and there
vsthen
  • Informal
45 3.2

Do something immediately at that moment

is used more generally to mark a time point rather than immediate action

Idioms

then again
  • Informal
300 3.2

To show a different idea or possibility

now and then
  • Informal
259 1.0

Happens sometimes but not very often

Sometimes, not very often

61 1.7

At the exact moment something happens

then and there
  • Informal
45 3.2

Do something immediately at that moment

and then some
  • Informal
38 5.2

More than expected or mentioned

21 7.7

To tell someone to start or continue after they hesitate

Surface Forms

then singular

Etymology

Then originally meant 'at that time', so it can be used as a noun for a particular moment, as in 'from then on'.