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since

SINS/sɪn(t)s/

Often confused with for

5 meanings of since

Practice

  1. 1
    preposition
    From a past time or event until now or a later past time, or at some point during that period.

    I have been working since six o'clock.

    It has rained since Tuesday.

    Note
  2. 2
    becauseconjunction
    Because, used when the listener already knows the reason.

    I'll cook tonight, since you cooked last night.

    Since it's late, let's stop here.

    Similarbecause, as

    Note
  3. 3
    from when (it happened)conjunction
    From the time when something happened, up to now.

    Think of it like a line drawn from a moment in the past to right now.

    I have worn glasses since I was ten.

    She has been ill since she came back.

    Note
  4. 4
    after thatadverb
    From that time until now, as in 'I haven't seen him since'.

    I met him last year but have not seen him since.

    She moved away and has lived abroad ever since.

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 5
    conjunctionobsolete
    An old use meaning 'when', as in 'remember since we lay'.
    O ſir Iohn, doe you remember ſince wee lay all night in the Winde-mill, in S Georges field.
    c. 1596, William Shakespeare, “The Second Part of Henry the Fourth,. Epilogue.”Here, since means when, so do you remember when we stayed all night.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From an old English phrase meaning "after that time." It comes from Old English sīþþan.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts