Then

[O. Eng. thanne, than, A-S. thonne, thanne, thenne, O. Sax. & Goth. than, O. Fries. thenne, thanna, dana, dan, O. H. Ger. danna, danne, denne, N. H. Ger. dann, D. dan. Cf. THAN.]

1Sense 1. At that time, referring to a time specified, either past or future.

And the Canaanite was then in the land. Gen. xii. 6.

Now I know in part, but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Cor. xiii. 12.

2Sense 2. Soon afterward, or immediately; afterward.

First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matt. v. 24.

3Sense 3. Therefore; for this reason.

Now, then, be all thy weighty cares away. Dryden.

4Sense 4. At another time; as, now and then, at one time and another.

By then, by the time that. — Till then, until that time.

But that opinion, I trust, by then this following argument hath been well read, will be left for one of the mysteries of Antichrist. Milton.

Till then who knew The force of those dire arms? Milton.

Then is often used elliptically, like an adjective, for the then existing; as, the then administration. It was often written, in former times, for than; but this use is now obsolete.

In that case; in consequence.

If all this be so, then man has a natural freedom. Locke.

Synonyms—Therefore.—THEN, THEREFORE. Both these words are used in reasoning; but therefore takes the lead, while then is rather subordinate or incidental. Therefore states reasons and draws inferences in form; then, to a great extent, takes the point as proved, and passes on to the general conclusion. “Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God.” “So, then, faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”