hence
Americanadverb
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as an inference from this fact; for this reason; therefore.
The eggs were very fresh and hence satisfactory.
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from this time; from now.
They will leave a month hence.
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from this source or origin.
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Archaic.
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from this place; from here; away.
The inn is but a quarter mile hence.
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from this world or from the living.
After a long, hard life they were taken hence.
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henceforth; from this time on.
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interjection
adverb
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from this time
a year hence
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archaic
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from here or from this world; away
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from this origin or source
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interjection
Etymology
Origin of hence
First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English hens, hennes, equivalent to henne ( Old English heonan ) + -es adverb suffix; see -s 1
Explanation
Hence means "for this reason," or "therefore." One Hollywood starlet is a huge fan of tiny dogs, hence the Pomeranian puppy peeking out of her purse. Hence not only means "therefore." It can also mean forward from this time. Nine months hence, a baby that has just been conceived will enter the world kicking and screaming. These days, you're more likely to hear the word hence in a movie set a hundred years ago than in casual conversation because it has a very old-fashioned ring to it.
Vocabulary lists containing hence
"The Road Not Taken"
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Tolkien Reading Day, List 2
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We Dream of Space
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Hence a new push on hukou reform, though how far that reform goes in practice is in question.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
Hence, Mattel has expanded into real-world experiences such as a Barbie pop-up at Coachella or a traveling Hot Wheels monster truck show.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
“That is also a catalyst for small-cap investing overall. Hence, the rally in the key small cap index despite some obvious macro headwinds.”
From Barron's • May 29, 2026
Hence she took a small group of her clients to the Azores for a few days in May.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
Hence geographic variation in whether, or when, the peoples of different continents became farmers and herders explains to a large extent their subsequent contrasting fates.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
