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then [ en ] CORE MEANING: an adverb used to indicate a particular time in the past or future
  We were much happier then.
Until then, he'll be staying with me. |
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1. adverb indicating specific time: indicates a specific time in the past or future
Life was easier then.
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2. adverb after that: after that or subsequently in time, order, or position
Fry the onions and garlic, then the vegetables.
We went for a walk, then came home.
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3. adverb therefore: that being the case, or in that case
Then why don't you go back?
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4. adverb in addition: in addition to something else, or besides what has been mentioned
I have to pay the money, then a penalty on top of that!
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5. adjective being at that time: being at that time, or existing or belonging to the time mentioned
the then governor
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| [ Old English þænne< Indo-European] |
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(but) then again used to introduce a contrasting and additional fact that has to be taken into account
It was a brave thing to do, but then again I would have expected no less of her.
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then and there immediately and in that very place
Did you expect me to hand over the money then and there?
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