then

UK: /ˈðɛn/ US: /ðɛn/ ,(ᵺen)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

then /ðɛn/   adv. 

1. at that time:
   Prices were lower then.
2. immediately or soon afterward:
   The rain stopped and then started again.
3. next in order of time or place:
   We ate, then we started home.
4. in that case;
   as a consequence;
   in those circumstances:
   If you want to quit, then do so.
5. since that is so;
   as a consequence;
   therefore:
   If the car is out of gas, then it won't start.

adj. [before a noun]

6. existing or being at the time indicated:
   In 1967, the then prime minister was indicted in a scandal.

n. [uncountable]

7. that time:
   We haven't been back since then.

Idioms

8. Idioms but then, but on the other hand;
   however:
   He got turned down for a promotion, but then he never expected to get it.
9. Idioms then and there, at that precise time and place;
   at once:
   would have declared war then and there, but his cabinet forced him to reconsider.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

then (ᵺen),  adv. 

1. at that time:
   Prices were lower then.
2. immediately or soon afterward:
   The rain stopped and then started again.
3. next in order of time:
   We ate, then we started home.
4. at the same time:
   At first the water seemed blue, then gray.
5. next in order of place:
   Standing beside Charlie is my uncle, then my cousin, then my brother.
6. in addition;
   besides;
   also:
   I love my job, and then it pays so well.
7. in that case;
   as a consequence;
   in those circumstances:
   If you're sick, then you should stay in bed.
8. since that is so;
   as it appears;
   therefore:
   You have, then, found the mistake? You are leaving tonight then.
9. but then, but on the other hand:
   I found their conversation very dull, but then I have different tastes.
10. then and there, at that precise time and place;
    at once;
    on the spot:
    I started to pack my things right then and there.
    Also, there and then. 

adj. 

11. being;
    being such;
    existing or being at the time indicated:
    the then prime minister.

n. 

12. that time:
    We have not been back since then. Till then, farewell.

• bef. 900; Middle English then(ne), than(n)e, Old English thonne, thanne, thænne; compare than; akin to that

Synonyms

• 8. See therefore. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

then / ðɛn/ adverb

1. at that time; over that period of time
2. (sentence modifier) in that case; that being so: then why don't you ask her?, if he comes, then you'll have to leave, go on then, take it

sentence_connector

1. after that; with that: then John left the room and didn't return

noun

1. that time: before then, from then on

adjective

1. (prenominal) existing, functioning, etc, at that time: the then prime minister

Etymology: Old English thenne; related to Old Saxon, Old High German thanna; see than