then

then
1 /Den/ adverb
1 at a particular time in the past or future: It was then that I realised she'd tricked me. | I used to go to school with Mavis Butterwick, or Mavis O'Brien as she then was. | The furniture is being delivered next week so until then we'll have to sit on the floor. | from then on (=starting at that time): They met in 1942 and from then on they were firm friends. | just then: Silently she closed the door. Just then she heard a noise. | back then (=a long time ago in the past, when things were different): Back then we spent holidays in Blackpool. | then and only then: Tidy your room, then and only then can you go out with Mike.
2 next; after something has happened: You're doing it all wrong. Mix the flour and butter and then add the eggs. | First the passengers and then the stewards jumped from the wreckage.
3 used to say that because of what you know about the situation, something else is probably true: Still in your pyjamas? Have you just got out of bed then? | if...then...: If x =3 and y =5 then xy =15 .
4 but then (again) especially spoken used to say that although something is true something else is also true which makes the first thing seem less important: I don't spend much but then I don't really go out much.
5 spoken used at the end of questions, statements etc, especially to agree with someone or to make people aware that you are speaking: So, what do you do then? | Right then, shall we start? | “Mom, will you play tennis with me?” “Get the balls out then.”
6 especially spoken used when giving your opinion or advice about something: If you're going to go then go. | “He's boring, rude and arrogant.” “Then divorce him.”
7 so that something happens or so that someone does something: Wear a big hat and dark glasses then no one will recognize you.
8 used in a list of things when you have remembered something else you want to add: I do all the washing and cleaning and then there's the ironing too.
9 then and there also there and then immediately: I expected to have to wait a few days, but they issued the passport then and there.
—see also: now and then now 1 (6) 2 adjective the then President, Director etc the President, Director etc at a particular time in the past: secretary to the then Head of Light Entertainment

Longman dictionary of contemporary English. 2004.

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  • 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). [1913 Webster] And the Canaanite was then in the land. Gen. xii. 6. [1913 Webster] Now I know in part; but… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Then — Then, conj. 1. Than. [Obs.] Spenser. [1913 Webster] 2. In that case; in consequence; as a consequence; therefore; for this reason. [1913 Webster] If all this be so, then man has a natural freedom. Locke. [1913 Webster] Now, then, be all thy… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Then — is a common adverb in English, indicating the apodosis of a conditional sentence. It is never equivalent to or synonymous with the conjunction than (although in a small number of accents the two may be considered homophones) nor the adjective… …   Wikipedia

  • then — I. adverb Etymology: Middle English than, then then, than, from Old English thonne, thænne; akin to Old High German denne then, than, Old English thæt that Date: before 12th century 1. at that time 2. a. soon after that ; next in order of time …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • then — See: AND THEN SOME, EVERY NOW AND THEN, NOW AND THEN …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • then — See: AND THEN SOME, EVERY NOW AND THEN, NOW AND THEN …   Dictionary of American idioms

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  • then and there — {adv. phr.} At that very time and place in the past; right then. * /He said he wanted his dime back then and there, so I had to give it to him./ Compare: IN ONE S TRACKS, ON THE SPOT, HERE AND NOW …   Dictionary of American idioms

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  • Then Jerico — were a British rock band from the late 1980s who enjoyed limited success with two albums: * First (The Sound Of Music) 1987. This album reached number 35 in the UK Albums Chart. * The Big Area 1989. This album went gold and reached number 4 in… …   Wikipedia

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