The meaning of THEN is at that time. How to use then in a sentence.
Idiom but then (again) (Definition of then from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
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.
- 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.
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.
Grammatically speaking, then is used as an adverb or adjective, while than is used as a conjunction or preposition. Perhaps the most common way the two words are confused is when then is used when it should be than, but doing the reverse is also a common mistake.
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.