hence

hence

adv \ˈhen(t)s\

Definition of HENCE

1

: from this place : away

2

a archaic : henceforth b : from this time <four years hence>

3

: because of a preceding fact or premise : therefore

4

: from this source or origin

— from hence

archaic : from this place : from this time

Examples of HENCE

1. He knew he could not win the election—hence his decision to withdraw.
2. The company lost a great deal of money. Hence, the CEO was asked to resign.
3. What will life be like a century hence?
4. Resource-rich countries don't need to levy taxes, so there is little pressure for government accountability, and hence fewer checks and balances. —Niall Ferguson, New York Times Book Review, 1 July 2007
5. Panforte—a cross between a cake and a candy—is a classic Italian Christmas treat. It's a very dense, rich confection loaded with nuts, dried fruit, and spices (hence its name, which means “strong bread”). —Gourmet, December 2002
6. Common sense told the YA librarian that if ever she hoped to be successful with her clients, she would have to offset the prevailing attitude of most of the staff. Through determination and patience, she soon established herself as confidante, friend, and advisor to large numbers of middle and high school students. Hence, it was not surprising when she was approached one day by a young man and young woman with a request. —A. J. Anderson, Library Journal, 1 May 1994

Origin of HENCE

Middle English hennes, henne, from Old English heonan; akin to Old High German hinnan away, Old English hēr here

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to HENCE

Synonyms: accordingly, consequently, ergo, therefore, so, thereupon, thus, wherefore

Related Words: apart, aside, elsewhere; abroad, afar, afield, astray

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with HENCE

fence, sense, tense, whence