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then — at that time; at the time in question

Part of speech: ADVERB

Definition: at that time; at the time in question

Pronunciation (IPA): /ðen/

Example Sentences

  • I ate pizza, then immediately regretted it when I remembered I was on a diet.
  • If you're going to be late, then text me.
  • Back then, we didn't have smartphones, so we actually talked to each other.

then

ADVERB

[/ðen/]

at that time; at the time in question

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ðen/
🇬🇧 UK/ðen/

🌳Etymology

Rootthen

Origin

Derived from Old English 'þanne', this word traces back to a common Germanic ancestor and represents an ancient term for indicating temporal progression. It has functioned as a fundamental adverb marking the flow of time for millennia.

Breakdown

Old English 'þanne' (with the letter thorn þ representing the 'th' sound) evolved through Middle English 'thanne' to the modern form 'then', maintaining its core meaning of temporal succession throughout the Germanic language family.

🎵Rhyme

when
ten
pen
den

🔗Collocations

by then
until then
since then
even then
now and then
what then

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“I ate pizza, then immediately regretted it when I remembered I was on a diet.”

“If you're going to be late, then text me.”

😄 Fun example

“Back then, we didn't have smartphones, so we actually talked to each other.”

😄 Fun example

“First I'll finish my homework, then watch Netflix until 3 AM.”

“The meeting is at 2 PM. I'll see you then.”

📚Related Words

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