thus
Americanadverb
-
in the way just indicated; in this way.
Stated thus, the problem seems trivial.
-
in such or the following manner; so.
Thus it came to pass.
-
accordingly; consequently.
It is late, and thus you must go.
-
to this extent or degree.
thus far.
-
as an example; for instance.
adverb
-
in this manner
do it thus
-
to such a degree
thus far and no further
Usage
See thusly.
Etymology
Origin of thus
First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Dutch dus
Explanation
Use the adverb thus in place of words like therefore or so when you want to sound proper. Use thus interchangeably with words like consequently, ergo, hence, and just like that. For example, if you want to sound fancy you could say no one showed up for water aerobics, thus the class was cancelled. It had to be thus. Thus is also, rarely, a noun that means a good-smelling gum resin from trees that we don't really use anymore.
Vocabulary lists containing thus
The Gettysburg Address, List 2
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Sun Rising" by John Donne
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
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.
Thus, this shocking program was exploiting doctors and the trust inherent in their relationships with patients, and it was also divisive among the many hardworking physicians.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 2, 2026
Thus was born the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty—which Viet Dinh, a former assistant attorney general, calls “God’s ACLU.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 2026
Thus, it cannot bind individual officers who did not “consent” to be sued for damages.
From Slate • Jun. 24, 2026
Thus, he dared to break with long-held dogma that the economy would overheat and spark runaway inflation if allowed to grow at a sustained rate of much above 2.5% per year.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 22, 2026
Thus it was the next day, when Penelope eventually went downstairs to strike up a conversation with Lady Constance.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
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.
