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
Phrases
from hence
archaic : from this place : from this time

Examples of hence in a Sentence

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
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
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
He knew he could not win the election—hence his decision to withdraw. The company lost a great deal of money. Hence, the CEO was asked to resign. What will life be like a century hence?
Recent Examples on the Web Unfortunately, those problems have now spread to other terra cotta units − hence the netting to be wrapped on to the building, Muhs said. Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024 When price information is hidden, hospitals and health insurers can collude to overcharge us with impunity–hence the outrageous health care cost increases burdening ordinary Americans. Kevin Lyons, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2024 Many women feel likewise — hence the push for more-portable pumps. Sydney Page, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2024 The final girl is usually a virtuous virgin—hence the palate of white lace. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024 The analysts warn that by the time electric vehicles are expected to become cheaper to make than gas cars, EV repair costs hence insurance premiums will have skyrocketed. José Rodríguez Jr. / Jalopnik, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024 According to the Gregorian calendar, these particular years will not be considered leap years, hence the need for adjustment. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Blackjack Online Games: 4.3/5 Las Atlantis has got a fairly tight selection of blackjack games (certainly the tightest in our review guide, hence its fifth-place), but it’s got so much going for it otherwise. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 The gap between companies’ order intake and their stocks has decreased globally, and hence, even a moderate increase in demand should lead to replenishments, Grahn said in the report. Niclas Rolander, Fortune Europe, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hence was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near hence

Cite this Entry

“Hence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hence. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hence

adverb
1
: from this place or time
a week hence
2
: consequently, therefore
was a newcomer and hence had no close friends in the city

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