Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition then in American English

then adjective, adverb

adjective, adverb
/ðen/

Then can be used in the following ways:

as an adverb: I was still at school then.

as an adjective (only before a noun): the then prime minister, Harold Wilson

1

at a particular time in the past or in the future

1.1

at a particular time in the past or in the future

Example

"Did you hear him when he left the house?" "Yes, I heard him then and when he came back."

Example

a political refugee who was then living in the United States

Example

I can see you next weekend. Can you wait until then?

Example

Back in 1950 Bourton was a sleepy little village, but things have changed a lot since then.

Synonyms and related words
then all last
1.2

used for referring to the person who had a particular job or position at a particular time in the past

Example

the then Secretary of State, Warren Christopher

Example

My grandfather rented 120 Church Street from the then owners, W. Collins and Sons.

Synonyms and related words
then all last
2

used for introducing the next thing that happens

Example

He glanced quickly at Sally and then looked away again.

Example

Add the numbers together first - then multiply.

Example

First Lewis will give a TV interview. Then comes the main news conference.

3

used at the end of a question when you think something must be true because of what has just been said

3.1

used at the end of a question when you think something must be true because of what has just been said

Example

"We went to the same school." "You're old friends then?"

Example

You're not angry with me, then?

3.2

used for saying what the result must be if something is true

Example

"He won't resign." "Then we'll have to force him to leave."

Example

If no one else is willing, then I'll have to do the job myself.

3.3

used when you are giving the result of the events that you have been describing

Example

This, then, was the problem that faced him - he could not do his duty without betraying his friends.

4

used at the end of a conversation for showing that you think something has been agreed on

Example

All right then, I'll see you back at the hotel.

Example

So that's agreed then - dinner for eight on Christmas Day.

Definition then in American English