then1 adverbthen2 adjective
thenthen1 /ðen/ ●●● S1 W1 adverb 
WORD ORIGINthen1
Origin:
Old English thonne, thænneEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- ""I'm full up.'' ""Does that mean you don't want any dessert then?''
- Add a cup of sugar. Then beat in three eggs.
- Bob sat down and read the letter again slowly. Then and only then did it begin to sink in that Stella was really dead.
- Both sides must forget about the past. Then and only then can there be peace.
- Don't make eye contact - then they won't ask for money.
- First Sue was a teacher. Then she was an artist. Who knows what she'll do next!
- First we played tennis, and then we went swimming.
- First you need to collect all the information and make detailed notes. Then you can start to actually write your essay.
- Fry the onions gently, and then add the meat and cook for a few minutes.
- I finished cleaning and then I took a little nap.
- I sat down at my desk and got out a pile of reports to read. Just then, the phone rang.
- I should be finished work by noon. Would you like to get together then?
- It was then that Jan realized he had lied to her.
- Just wait until July -- all the exams will be over by then.
- School starts in September, and until then I'll be staying with friends.
- She thought back over her early married life; everything had been so different then.
- Altematively, you can place the frozen, cut nuts in boiling water and then slowly return the water to a boil.
- Back then, nearly anything associated with oil-rich Texas seemed to be a hot product.
- He looked away and then looked back.
- If the technology is used for more than word processing then lawyers will certainly need to be trained.
- The only comfortable position was standing up because then the fluid drained away and stopped pressing against his lungs.
- They took a flavor of Don Rickles and then they cross the line.
- You sought out your supporters, briefed them beforehand, then went into the meeting knowing you had strength in numbers.
Longman Language Activatorways of saying that one thing happens after another
· We scraped all the old paint off the bike and then repainted it bright red.· Fry the onions gently, and then add the meat and cook for a few minutes.· First you need to collect all the information and make detailed notes. Then you can start to actually write your essay.
immediately after something - use this especially when the order in which things happen is important: · Everyone started fighting and someone threw a bottle. I forget what happened next.· Which of the candidates shall we interview next?· First you need to select the text you want to move. Next, click on the "Move" command at the top of the screen.
after something happens: · England had a man sent off in the first half, and after that the England team never really looked as though they could win the game.· The exhaust pipe fell off the car just as we were leaving, and after that it was just one disaster after another!
at a particular time in the past · She thought back over her early married life; everything had been so different then.· They were living in the country then, on a farm.· These days it's OK for women to smoke in public, but then it was unheard of.then and only then (=not until that time) · Bob sat down and read the letter again slowly. Then and only then did it begin to sink in that Stella was really dead.just then (=at that exact moment) · I sat down at my desk and got out a pile of reports to read. Just then, the phone rang.
at a particular period of time in the past - use this especially when you are talking about what the situation was then as compared to the present time: · At that time, he was married to a woman called Jody.· I was offered a job in New York, but at the time I didn't want to move so far away from my family.· The accepted view at that time was that women should remain in the home and not go out to work.· I can't remember exactly what he said, but I do remember thinking it was very funny at the time.
at that time in the past - use this especially when you are comparing life in the past with life in the present: · We used to get paid £2 a week. That was a lot of money in those days.· In those days there was no proper road, just an old stony track through the woods.· Back then, most people left school at fourteen and started work.· I remember thinking, back then, that I would never get married.
at that exact time during a past event or situation: · Miles got up to make his speech, and at that point several of the guests quietly slipped out of the room.· I thought he was dead. At that point, everything seemed hopeless.
at the exact time when something happened or when someone did something - use this when describing past events or telling stories: · At that moment there was a knock on the door.· Fortunately, Jorge appeared at that moment and was able to help us load things into the van.just at that moment (=at that exact moment): · Just at that moment, the police arrived.
during a particular period of time in the past, although things were going to change or develop later: · At that stage I lacked the experience to apply for a management post.· At that stage in the inquiry, the police still hoped that Maria might be alive.
at a particular time in the future · Wait until you've had your dinner, then you can go out to play.by then · Just wait until July -- all the exams will be over by then.until then · We're not getting a new car until June, so this one will have to do us until then.· We'll probably see you again when we get to Budapest -- until then goodbye and good luck!then and only then (=not until then) · Both sides must forget about the past. Then and only then can there be peace.
at the exact moment during an event or process when something will happen: · At 7:45 the lights will go out in the hall, and at that point all the actors will move into their positions on the stage.
at that particular time during a series of events: · The exams will be finished by the end of June. At that stage you can make a decision about which subjects to study next year.
before a particular time actually arrives: · I have to go at 6 pm, but by that time we should have got through most of the work.by which time: · The Connellys go to Africa in April, by which time they hope to have sold their house.
after a particular time or event after something happens or after someone does something: · We went for a walk after lunch.· Gingrich won election to the House in 1978, after Flynt retired.· What did you do after leaving school?an hour/two days/a year etc after: · My father died two days after I was born.soon after/not long after: · He joined the army in 1914, and soon after was promoted to the rank of captain.right afteralso straight after British (=immediately after): · Paul rushed home right after school.just after: · My sister and her husband moved west just after their wedding.after that: · The Pirates jumped to a 22-2 lead, and Georgetown never got closer than 16 points after that.· It was terrible: first the gearbox seized and after that the radiator burst.
also afterward American after an event or a time that you have just mentioned: · The operation was rather painful, but I felt a lot better afterwards.· Afterward, Nick said he'd never been so nervous in his life.two years/three months etc afterwards: · A couple of years afterwards I bumped into her in a supermarket.soon/shortly afterwards: · His wife fell ill in June and died soon afterwards.
after something happens or after someone does something -- use this when you are describing a series of events in the order they happened: · Can you remember what happened next?· First, chop up two large onions. Next, fry them until they are golden brown.
some time after now or after the time you are talking about: · I'll tell you about it later when I'm not so busy.· Ronald Reagan joined the Republican Party in 1962 and later became Governor of California.three months/two years/ten days etc later: · A couple of days later I saw her in a downtown bar.later on: · The first part of the film is really boring but it gets better later on.much later (=a long time later): · I found out much later that some of the children I taught had become teachers themselves.later that day/month/year etc: · Later that month we got another letter from them asking for more money.
after you have done something -- use this when you are describing a series of things you did, or when you are giving instructions: · First we played tennis, and then we went swimming.· Add a cup of sugar. Then beat in three eggs.
formal after an event was finished in the past: · The book was published in 1954 and was subsequently translated into fifteen languages.· The six men were subsequently acquitted of all charges, but only after they had served 17 years in prison.
starting to happen after now or after a particular time also from here on (out) American use this to talk about a new arrangement that is going to start now and then continue in the future: · You'll be working with me from now on.· From here on out I'll come to every meeting, I promise.· From now on Neil is responsible for publicity and marketing.
: from tomorrow/next week etc use this to say that a new rule or arrangement will start at a particular time and will continue from then: · As of the first of July, all back seat passengers must wear seat belts.· The new timetable will come into effect from January 2003.· Starting today Miss Carey will be in charge of the Sales Department.
after a particular time or date: · I'm busy right now. Could you come back sometime after 4 o'clock?· After 1800, more and more people worked in factories.just after (=a short time after): · If they left just after twelve, they should be here soon.
used when a situation starts to exist after something happens, especially if the situation is caused by what has happened: · He found out that I had lied to him, and after that he never trusted me again.· The company started a big new advertising campaign, and business really improved after that.· I'm going to help you for the first two weeks, but after that you'll be working on your own.
use this to talk about something that starts to happen at a time in the past or future, and continues from that time: · The latest sunrise of the winter is Friday; from then on, the dark winter mornings get brighter earlier .· He went to his first football game when he was four, and from then on he was crazy about it.
formal after that - used especially in written instructions, rules, or agreements: · The plants should be watered every day for the first week and twice a week thereafter.· On retirement each employee will receive a lump sum of £10,000 and a regular annual pension thereafter.
also gone British: past 3 o'clock/midnight etc use this when someone is late for something, or when something happens at a later time than it should happen or usually happens: · When we got home it was gone midnight.· We have to get you home. It's past your bedtime.
at a specific time in the future: an hour/10 years/2 weeks etc from now an hour, 10 years etc from the time when you are speaking: · The package should arrive a few days from now.· There may be no rainforest left 30 years from now.· A couple of months from now, you'll probably have forgotten all about him.
at a time in the future, that you have just mentioned: · I should be finished work by noon. Would you like to get together then?until then: · School starts in September, and until then I'll be staying with friends.· They're sending the results next week, so I won't know anything until then.by then: · Tell him he has two weeks to finish the job. If he's not finished by then, he's fired.
: 6 months/4 days/a week etc away/off if something that you know will happen is 6 months, 4 days, a week etc away or off , it will happen after 6 months, 4 days, a week etc have passed: · The next general elections are still two years away.· Mary was desperately looking forward to her retirement, which was less than a year off.· The wedding was more than a year away but she had already bought a dress for it.· The exams are still a few weeks off -- you've got plenty of time to prepare for them.
spoken say this when something will happen at a particular time in the future: · Come Monday, we'll be in our new house.· A mild winter is nice, but it means that come summer you're going to have a bug problem.
what you say to tell someone that you are sorry use this to say that someone does something or something happens as a result of something else: · There was nothing on TV, so I decided to go to bed.· The rest of the week I'm busy, I'm afraid, so it'll have to be Monday.· The shop doesn't open until 11am and so it loses a lot of business.
so - use this in formal speech and writing: · The building work is taking quite a long time, and therefore costing us money.· Jewish weddings are both religious and civil. Therefore two official applications for marriage are necessary.
use this to say that because someone or something is very big, tall etc, something happens as a result: · I was so busy today that I didn't have time for lunch.· He always thought he was so good looking that no woman would turn him down.
use this to say that because it is a very bad day, a very old car etc something happens or someone does something as a result: · It was such a nice day that we decided to go for a picnic.· The dress was such a bargain, I had to buy it.· Paul remained silent for such a long time that we were beginning to wonder if he'd fallen asleep.
use this to say that because of a particular situation, another situation exists or happens. With the result that is more formal than so that: · His hair was very long and covered his eyes, so that you could hardly see his face.· A car pulled out right in front of me, so that I had to slam on the brakes.· The company paid excellent salaries and provided good working conditions, with the result that its employees were of a very high standard.
use this to say that because of a particular situation, something else happens or is true. Consequently is more formal than as a result: · I had made a lot of contacts, and had good job opportunities as a result.· The virus attacks the plant, the flower does not open, and consequently no seeds are produced.
use this to say what you would expect the result of an action or situation to be: · ''My father's quite laid back.'' ''Then he won't mind if you borrow his car, will he?''· "I'm full up.'' "Does that mean you don't want any dessert then?''
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
They met in 1942 and from then on (=starting at that time) they were firm friends. Silently she closed the door. Just then she heard a noise. I was paid £1,000, which was a lot of money back then (=a long time ago when things were different) in the 1950s. If you won’t tell him, then I will.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES She says she’s thirty-five. But then again she might be lying. If that ball was out, then I’m a Dutchman. Just then (=exactly at that moment), Mrs Robovitch appeared at the bedroom door. I left school in 1995, and since then I’ve lived in London. ‘James doesn’t want to come to the cinema with us.’ ‘Well then, let’s go on our own.’
They met in 1942 and from then on (=starting at that time) they were firm friends. Silently she closed the door. Just then she heard a noise. I was paid £1,000, which was a lot of money back then (=a long time ago when things were different) in the 1950s. If you won’t tell him, then I will. She says she’s thirty-five. But then again she might be lying. If that ball was out, then I’m a Dutchman. Just then (=exactly at that moment), Mrs Robovitch appeared at the bedroom door. (=at that moment and not before) Only then did she tell him about the attack.
Only then did she tell him about the attack. I left school in 1995, and since then I’ve lived in London. ‘James doesn’t want to come to the cinema with us.’ ‘Well then, let’s go on our own.’PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► (every) now and then/now and again
1at a particular time in the past or future: - If I come across a mistake, I fix it right then and there.
- For a moment he thought of phoning her, then and there, and telling her how he felt.
- I probably could have refused, and that would have ended the matter right then and there.
- It would have been easy to shoot him right then and there.
- Mr Pasta dismisses Manuel then and there and without notice.
- Peter wondered about running in then and there.
- She decided then and there that she was not going to stand for it.
- She saw only the immediate need of a particular individual and tried to meet it then and there.
- Two kids still refused to write unless I helped them right then and there.
- Death still seemed impossible but then I suppose it always does.
- He began it, but then he stopped because he decided that it wasn't an interesting enough story.
- He couldn't help feeling sorry for the chap, but then he also felt sorry for Liza.
- Innes McInnes was taller than I'd expected, but then how tall should a millionaire be?
- Powell achieved a similar feat, but then resigned.
- She told me, but then quickly looked away.
- The Kite A brother and sister argue but then Ben loses his kite and Sally rescues it.
- The Library of Congress Classification Scheme is very evidently enumerative, but then all the major classification schemes are.
- And then again, it may not.
- But then again, it might not.
- He almost pranced along the passage with his pet and I hoped fervently that I would not see them in there again.
- I do not think that I shall go back there again.
- I read to her every night at six-and then again before she goes to bed.
- Scamp had an airtight alibi, naturally, but then again young Leakey never said who exactly had done it.
- They drove by again and then again, each time slower and more menacingly.
- He doesn't have a strong French accent, but then he's lived here for twenty years.
- I don't think she liked my present, but then again it could just be my imagination.
- You feel really sorry for him, but then again it's hard to like him.
- Death still seemed impossible but then I suppose it always does.
- He began it, but then he stopped because he decided that it wasn't an interesting enough story.
- He couldn't help feeling sorry for the chap, but then he also felt sorry for Liza.
- Innes McInnes was taller than I'd expected, but then how tall should a millionaire be?
- Powell achieved a similar feat, but then resigned.
- She told me, but then quickly looked away.
- The Kite A brother and sister argue but then Ben loses his kite and Sally rescues it.
- The Library of Congress Classification Scheme is very evidently enumerative, but then all the major classification schemes are.
- Even now I find it hard to believe Brenda's story.
- Her only hope is an operation, but even then she may not get well.
- And, even then, Morris played footsie with prominent Republicans, such as Sen.
- Athletes are stronger now but he'd be strong even now.
- But even then we had entirely different ways of looking at things.
- I'd only been aware of one war in the past on television, though even then distantly.
- I can hear them even now, Harry, even as I try to concentrate on writing this letter.
- I have to quiz him about everything and even then he won't tell the whole truth.
- I knew even then that I inherited a history which defined who I was.
- It has fueled tension, misery and bloodshed even now after the Cold War has ended.
- A volcano erupts because a terrible creature is imprisoned in the mountain and every now and then struggles to get free.
- Although it would be nice to see some one apart from Strach get annoyed on the pitch every now and then.
- But every now and then some patient managed to break through the mental barrier erected by training, habit, and self-defence.
- Eventually she could play in the next room with you calling out to her or checking on her every now and then.
- He sort of slips the surly bonds of fact every now and then.
- I get right sick, every now and then, at the bad news.
- The answer is to drop back to conscious competence every now and again to check things out and eradicate the bad habits.
- The dailies would clock him every now and then, leaving his flat and cowering under a flash of camera light.
- Now then, you'll be eighty-four in August - is that right?
- Back in you go for now then.
- This book will tell you everything you wanted to know about wine - and then some.
- Some other examples are given of this approach, and then some systems are considered which extend non-statistical methods.
- But every now and then some patient managed to break through the mental barrier erected by training, habit, and self-defence.
- He met his goal, and then Some.
- It usually does, and then some.
- So many corpses; and then some more, to sugar the porridge of death.
- That they did, and then some.
- The Becketts have a full house and then some.
- This is a team that will need both, and then some.
- He decided against buying a ticket there and then but satisfied himself with getting a list of trains to Rome.
- I thought Charlie would be there and then Roderick came.
- If she wasn't being paid by his rich over indulgent parents, she would have punished him there and then.
- If you make any kind of a mistake, you should re-record the offending passage there and then.
- Or perhaps he was waiting for them to start counting their blessings there and then.
- She went into labour right there and then.
- They want to talk about it there and then, with passion and prejudice.
- We wanted to get married there and then.
I wish I had known then what I know now. It was then that I realised she’d tricked me. He started his career in St Petersburg – or Leningrad as it then was.by/until/since then They’re sending out the results next week, so we won’t know anything until then. It was late evening when the doctor arrived, and by then it was too late. That was in 1970. Since then the place has changed a lot. They met in 1942 and from then on (=starting at that time) they were firm friends. Silently she closed the door. Just then she heard a noise. I was paid £1,000, which was a lot of money back then (=a long time ago when things were different) in the 1950s.2used to say what happens next or what you do next: Mix the flour and butter, then add the eggs. Byron travelled to Italy and then to Greece.3 a)used when saying what the result of a situation or action will be: If you won’t tell him, then I will. Start off early, then you won’t have to rush. b)spoken used when you think that something is probably true because of what you know about the situation: Still in your pyjamas? Have you just got out of bed then?4but then (again) used to say that although something is true, something else is also true which makes the first thing seem less important: William didn’t succeed first time, but then very few people do. Elaine’s father might lend them the money, but then again he might not.5spoken a)used at the beginning of a conversation or activity: Now then, what would you like to do today? Right then, shall we start? b)used at the end of a conversation, especially to show that something has been agreed: Good, that’s settled then. We’ll all meet here next Wednesday. Okay then, I’ll see you at work. c)used to show that you are saying something because of what someone has just said: ‘We’re late.’ ‘We’d better hurry, then.’ ‘Friday’s no good.’ ‘Then how about Saturday?’6used to add something to what you have just mentioned: We have to invite your parents and my parents, and then there’s your brother.7used to refer back to what you have just been talking about: This then was the situation facing the government at the end of the war.8then and there (also there and then) immediately: He wasn’t prepared to wait – he wanted the money then and there. → (every) now and then at now1(5)then1 adverbthen2 adjective
thenthen2 adjective [only before noun] COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES She says she’s thirty-five. But then again she might be lying. If that ball was out, then I’m a Dutchman. Just then (=exactly at that moment), Mrs Robovitch appeared at the bedroom door. I left school in 1995, and since then I’ve lived in London. ‘James doesn’t want to come to the cinema with us.’ ‘Well then, let’s go on our own.’COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
She says she’s thirty-five. But then again she might be lying. If that ball was out, then I’m a Dutchman. Just then (=exactly at that moment), Mrs Robovitch appeared at the bedroom door. (=at that moment and not before) Only then did she tell him about the attack.
Only then did she tell him about the attack. I left school in 1995, and since then I’ve lived in London. ‘James doesn’t want to come to the cinema with us.’ ‘Well then, let’s go on our own.’· The plan was revealed by Anatoli Sivak, then president of Sidanco, in February 1997.· The charity had been set up in 1970 by the wife of the then president, Georges Pompidou.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► (every) now and then/now and again
used when mentioning the person who had a particular job, title, or position at a time in the past: - And then again, it may not.
- But then again, it might not.
- He almost pranced along the passage with his pet and I hoped fervently that I would not see them in there again.
- I do not think that I shall go back there again.
- I read to her every night at six-and then again before she goes to bed.
- Scamp had an airtight alibi, naturally, but then again young Leakey never said who exactly had done it.
- They drove by again and then again, each time slower and more menacingly.
- He doesn't have a strong French accent, but then he's lived here for twenty years.
- I don't think she liked my present, but then again it could just be my imagination.
- You feel really sorry for him, but then again it's hard to like him.
- Death still seemed impossible but then I suppose it always does.
- He began it, but then he stopped because he decided that it wasn't an interesting enough story.
- He couldn't help feeling sorry for the chap, but then he also felt sorry for Liza.
- Innes McInnes was taller than I'd expected, but then how tall should a millionaire be?
- Powell achieved a similar feat, but then resigned.
- She told me, but then quickly looked away.
- The Kite A brother and sister argue but then Ben loses his kite and Sally rescues it.
- The Library of Congress Classification Scheme is very evidently enumerative, but then all the major classification schemes are.
- Even now I find it hard to believe Brenda's story.
- Her only hope is an operation, but even then she may not get well.
- And, even then, Morris played footsie with prominent Republicans, such as Sen.
- Athletes are stronger now but he'd be strong even now.
- But even then we had entirely different ways of looking at things.
- I'd only been aware of one war in the past on television, though even then distantly.
- I can hear them even now, Harry, even as I try to concentrate on writing this letter.
- I have to quiz him about everything and even then he won't tell the whole truth.
- I knew even then that I inherited a history which defined who I was.
- It has fueled tension, misery and bloodshed even now after the Cold War has ended.
- A volcano erupts because a terrible creature is imprisoned in the mountain and every now and then struggles to get free.
- Although it would be nice to see some one apart from Strach get annoyed on the pitch every now and then.
- But every now and then some patient managed to break through the mental barrier erected by training, habit, and self-defence.
- Eventually she could play in the next room with you calling out to her or checking on her every now and then.
- He sort of slips the surly bonds of fact every now and then.
- I get right sick, every now and then, at the bad news.
- The answer is to drop back to conscious competence every now and again to check things out and eradicate the bad habits.
- The dailies would clock him every now and then, leaving his flat and cowering under a flash of camera light.
- Now then, you'll be eighty-four in August - is that right?
- Back in you go for now then.
- This book will tell you everything you wanted to know about wine - and then some.
- Some other examples are given of this approach, and then some systems are considered which extend non-statistical methods.
- But every now and then some patient managed to break through the mental barrier erected by training, habit, and self-defence.
- He met his goal, and then Some.
- It usually does, and then some.
- So many corpses; and then some more, to sugar the porridge of death.
- That they did, and then some.
- The Becketts have a full house and then some.
- This is a team that will need both, and then some.
- He decided against buying a ticket there and then but satisfied himself with getting a list of trains to Rome.
- I thought Charlie would be there and then Roderick came.
- If she wasn't being paid by his rich over indulgent parents, she would have punished him there and then.
- If you make any kind of a mistake, you should re-record the offending passage there and then.
- Or perhaps he was waiting for them to start counting their blessings there and then.
- She went into labour right there and then.
- They want to talk about it there and then, with passion and prejudice.
- We wanted to get married there and then.
a visit to China by the then US President, Richard Nixon