The meaning of THEN is at that time. How to use then in a sentence.
He's always harking back to his childhood and saying how things were better then. Just then, the lights went out. The train leaves at three minutes to eight, so we'd better get there a few minutes before then. If you come to the surgery at 10.30, the doctor will see you then.
- at that time: Prices were lower then. 2. immediately or soon afterward: The rain stopped and then started again. 3. next in order of time or place: We ate, then we started home.
Then came a maid with hand-bag and shawls, and after her a tall young lady. She stood for a moment holding her skirt above the grimy steps, with something of the stately pose which Richter has given his Queen Louise on the stairway, and the light of the reflector fell full upon her.
The word "then" is a versatile adverb that indicates time, sequence, or consequence. Its correct use enhances clarity in expressing chronological order or logical outcomes.
at that time: Prices were lower then. immediately or soon afterward: The rain stopped and then started again. next in order of time or place: We ate, then we started home. in those circumstances: If you want to quit, then do so. therefore: If the car is out of gas, then it won't start.
Then being; being at that time. At that time: referring to a time specified, either past or future. Afterward; next in order; soon afterward or immediately. At another time: as, now and then, at one time and another. By the time when or that: then in this phrase having the force of a relative.