since

American  

[sins] / sɪns /

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.

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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 British  

/ sɪns /

preposition

1. during or throughout the period of time after

   since May it has only rained once

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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

since Idioms  

1. see greatest thing since sliced bread.

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Usage

See as ¹.

Etymology

Origin of since

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

Example Sentences

I still think Sean Dyche's side are going to be fine, however, and they have definitely made strides since he took charge at the end of October.

From BBC

This is a real test for them, however, and it is only a few weeks since we were saying the same about Chelsea being in the title race after they drew against Arsenal with 10 men.

From BBC

But the Chiefs have since looked a shadow of their former selves, being eliminated from play-off contention with three games of the regular season remaining.

From BBC

Since then, Travis has worked as a game show host, an actor and an executive producer.

From BBC

While Bindi's family will never know what happened to her since 2020, they believe someone may have taken her in.

From BBC

Related Words

• afterward
• ago
• already
• later
• therefore