hence
HENS/ˈhɛns/
Formshences, hencing, henced
- 1As 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
- 2At 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
- 3Away 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 AdventureNote
Less common meanings
- 4
- 5Away from the living, out of life into death.
Note
- 6Used to order someone to leave at once. Go away!
"Hence!" the old man shouted at the stray dogs.
Mira[nda]. Beſeech you Father. Proſ[pero]. Hence: hang not on my garments.
1610, William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”Here, Hence means go away, an order to leave at once.Note
- 7To order someone away by shouting 'hence' at them.
Note
Showing meanings only.
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
- Hence derives from Old English heonan. en.wiktionary.org
- Old English heonan means away or from here. en.wiktionary.org
- Middle English hennes developed into hence. en.wiktionary.org