hence
gb/hˈɛns/ us/hˈɛns/
B2
English
~ 2000
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
B2
relation
1
as a result; therefore
Used to show that something happens because of what was just said.
Usage pattern:
[statement], hence [result]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'hence' at the start of a sentence in casual speech, where 'so' or 'therefore' would sound more natural.
Synonyms
therefore (More common in everyday speech; similar meaning but slightly less formal than 'hence'.)
|
thus (Similar meaning but often used in academic or technical writing.)
Antonyms
nevertheless (Shows contrast rather than cause-and-effect.)
Collocations
hence the decision
|hence the need
|hence the importance
Themes
logic
|communication
|reasoning
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The project was delayed, hence the late launch.
- He was the only qualified applicant, hence his selection.
- The roads were icy, hence the accident.
- Prices have risen sharply, hence the need for budget cuts.
Learner examples
- It rained all day, hence the wet ground.
- She studied hard, hence she passed the test.
- The shop is closed today, hence we cannot buy bread.
adverb
formal
C1
relation
2
from now; from this time
Starting now and continuing into the future.
Usage pattern:
[action], henceforth/hence [state or action]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'hence' with 'henceforth', which is more formal and often legalistic.
Synonyms
from now on (More common and less formal in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
until now (Refers to the time before the present moment.)
Collocations
two years hence
|five days hence
Themes
time
|planning
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We will begin work one week hence.
- Ten years hence, the city will look very different.
- Our contract will expire three months hence.
Learner examples
- We will meet again two days hence.
- Three years hence, she will finish school.
- Five weeks hence, the new law starts.
adverb
literary
C2
relation
3
from here; away from here
Leaving or moving away from this place.
Common mistake:
Learners may try to use this sense in modern conversation, where it sounds old-fashioned or poetic.
Synonyms
away (General term for moving from a place; less formal than 'hence'.)
Antonyms
hither (An archaic term meaning 'to this place'.)
Themes
movement
|location
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Begone, and get you hence!
- He departed hence to foreign lands.
- They sent him hence without delay.
Learner examples
- Go hence and do your work.
- He left hence in the morning.
- They moved hence to another city.
Grammar
Dictionary form
hence
IPA
GB/hˈɛns/
US/hˈɛns/
Syllables & stress
hence (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (hence)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: hence
- Plural: hences
Word family
Forms
hences
noun
Advanced or less common
henceforth
adverb C1
Expressions
go hence
1/ɡˈoʊ hˈɛns/
fixed phrase
literary
leave this place
Leave this place.
Examples
- Go hence and tell them what you saw.
- They were ordered to go hence immediately.
hence the expression
1/hˈɛns ðə ɪkspɹˈɛʃən/
fixed phrase
explaining why a phrase is used
Used to explain why a certain phrase is being used.
Examples
- He always wears black—hence the expression 'man in black'.
- The dog is very fast, hence the expression 'quick as a whip'.
ten years hence
1/tˈɛn jˈɪɹz hˈɛns/
fixed phrase
formal
ten years from now or then
Exactly ten years after now or after a time mentioned.
Examples
- Ten years hence, we may have colonies on Mars.
- The agreement will be reviewed ten years hence.