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hence

HENS/ˈhɛns/

7 meanings of hence

Practice

  1. 1
    as a resultadverb
    As a result, because of what came before.

    The roads were covered in ice, hence the late start to the school day.

    He forgot to set his alarm and hence missed the train.

    UsageSay hence the delay.

    Similarconsequently

    Note
  2. 2
    from nowadverb
    At a time in the future, a stated length of time from now.

    The new bridge will open six months hence.

    The committee will meet again two weeks hence.

    UsageSay two years hence, or more simply two years from now.

    Note
  3. 3
    adverbarchaic
    Away from here, away from where one is.
    Ye men of Galilee! / Why stand ye looking up to heaven, where Him ye ne’er may see, / Neither ascending hence, nor returning hither again?
    1849, Arthur Hugh Clough, Easter DayHere, hence means away from here.
    `Now leave me,' she said, `and sleep if ye may. I must watch and think, for to-morrow night we go hence, and the time is long since I trod the path that we must follow.'
    1886, H[enry] Rider Haggard, She: A History of Adventure
    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Old English 'heonan', meaning 'away' or 'from here'. The Middle English form 'hennes' later gave us 'hence'.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts