hence

[hens]

adverb

1. as an inference from this fact; for this reason; therefore.

   The eggs were very fresh and hence satisfactory.

2. from this time; from now.

   They will leave a month hence.

3. from this source or origin.

4. Archaic.

   1. from this place; from here; away.

      The inn is but a quarter mile hence.

   2. from this world or from the living.

      After a long, hard life they were taken hence.

   3. henceforth; from this time on.

interjection

1. Obsolete.,  depart (usually used imperatively).

hence

/ hɛns /

1. for this reason; following from this; therefore

adverb

1. from this time

   a year hence

2. archaic

   1. from here or from this world; away

   2. from this origin or source

interjection

1. archaic,  begone! away!

Word History and Origins

Origin of hence¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English hens, hennes, equivalent to henne ( Old English heonan ) + -es adverb suffix; -s ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hence¹

Old English hionane; related to Old High German hinana away from here, Old Irish cen on this side

Example Sentences

After how they batted at Headingley, England were concerned about the depth of their batting, hence their including Jacks at number seven.

From BBC

Emery still needs reinforcements in attack, hence talk of an interest in Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, while recruits could arrive in midfield.

From BBC

Leipzig do not need to sell Sesko - hence the high fee they are asking for, plus the reported desire for add-ons.

From BBC

Be “meticulously thoughtful” about one’s needs and comforts, hence the tuning fork.

From Salon

People compare the odor to dead rats, gym socks and rotten eggs — hence the morbid name.

From Los Angeles Times