since

[sins]

adverb

1. from then till now (often preceded byever ).

   He was elected in 1978 and has been president ever since.

2. between a particular past time and the present; subsequently.

   She at first refused, but has since consented.

3. before now; ago.

   long since.

preposition

1. continuously from or counting from.

   It has been warm since noon.

2. between a past time or event and the present.

   There have been many changes since the war.

conjunction

1. in the period following the time when.

   He has written once since he left.

2. continuously from or counting from the time when.

   He has been busy since he came.

3. because; inasmuch as.

   Since you're already here, you might as well stay.

since

/ sɪns /

preposition

1. during or throughout the period of time after

   since May it has only rained once

conjunction

1. (sometimes preceded by ever) continuously from or starting from the time when

   since we last met, important things have happened

2. seeing that; because

   since you have no money, you can't come

adverb

1. since that time

   he left yesterday and I haven't seen him since

Usage

See as ¹.

Word History and Origins

Origin of since¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Late Middle English (adverb) syns, sinnes “thereupon, afterwards,” Middle English (adverb and conjunction) sithenes “afterwards, from (the specified time), because,” equivalent to sithen “after that, since” ( Old English siththan, originally sīth thām “after that”) + -es; sith, -s ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of since¹

Old English sīththan, literally: after that; related to Old High German sīd since, Latin sērus late

Idioms and Phrases

see greatest thing since sliced bread.

Example Sentences

Since then, astronomers have been studying the asteroid, estimating its size to be at least 30 metres wide.

Read more on Space Scoop

Luckily, since the touchdown is planned for 2031, we still have enough time to prepare.

Read more on Space Scoop

Comcast shares rose 0.5% Monday and have gained 1.4% since closing at an 11-year low on Nov. 24.

Read more on MarketWatch

That comes after a summer season that was the worst-performing for Hollywood since 1981, with the exception of during the pandemic.

Read more on MarketWatch

The “Wicked” sequel’s performance is Universal’s biggest success since “Jurassic World Rebirth,” which has earned $867 million worldwide since its release in July.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• afterward 
• ago 
• already 
• later 
• therefore 

When To Use

What are other ways to say since?

The conjunction since means “because” or “inasmuch as.” How is it different from because, as, for, and inasmuch as? Find out on Thesaurus.com.