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hence

adverb

/hɛns/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of hence

Used to indicate a consequence or a result that follows logically from a previous statement or situation.
"The chef ran out of fresh ingredients; hence, he had to improvise with what was available."

Detailed meaning of hence

It is often employed to connect ideas or arguments and to show the relationship between them. 'Hence' implies that the subsequent information or conclusion is a direct outcome or inference based on what has been mentioned before. It serves to bridge the gap between cause and effect, making the connection clear and explicit. For example, if someone says, "I forgot to set my alarm clock; hence, I overslept," the word 'hence' clarifies that the reason for oversleeping was the failure to set the alarm clock. In this way, 'hence' functions as a powerful tool for conveying logical progression and drawing valid conclusions based on preceding information.

Example sentences containing hence

1. The car broke down in the middle of the highway; hence, we had to call for roadside assistance.
2. John studied hard for his exams; hence, he achieved excellent grades.
3. The restaurant received several complaints about their service; hence, they decided to hire more staff.
4. The experiment failed to yield the expected results; hence, the researchers need to reconsider their hypothesis.
5. Jane forgot to bring her phone charger; hence, her battery died halfway through the day.
6. The team lost their star player to an injury; hence, their chances of winning the championship diminished.

History and etymology of hence

The adverb 'hence' finds its origins in Middle English, where it was spelled as 'hennes' or 'hennesforth.' These Middle English forms were adaptations of the Old English word 'heonan,' which meant 'from this place' or 'from here.' 'Heonan' was formed by combining 'he' (meaning 'this') and 'onan' (meaning 'from'). Over time, 'hence' evolved to serve as an adverb indicating a consequence or result that follows logically from a previous statement or situation. Its etymology reflects the idea of moving or progressing from a specific point, and in the context of language, it signifies the logical progression from one idea or premise to another.

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Further usage examples of hence

1. The city experienced a severe drought; hence, water restrictions were imposed.
2. The hotel was fully booked for the weekend; hence, we had to find alternative accommodation.
3. The politician made controversial remarks; hence, she faced backlash from the public.
4. The investment in renewable energy paid off; hence, the company's carbon emissions decreased significantly.
5. The child missed several days of school due to illness; hence, she struggled to catch up with her classmates.
6. The company launched a new marketing campaign; hence, sales started to soar.
7. The cat knocked over a glass of water; hence, the floor became wet and slippery.
8. The project team encountered unexpected delays; hence, the deadline had to be extended.
9. The price of oil increased; hence, the cost of transportation rose as well.
10. The students worked collaboratively on the group project; hence, they were able to deliver a high-quality presentation.
11. The power outage affected the entire neighborhood; hence, everyone had to rely on candles for light.
12. The research paper presented compelling evidence; hence, it was published in a prestigious scientific journal.
13. The company announced layoffs; hence, employee morale plummeted.
14. The storm is approaching; hence, we should seek shelter.
15. He failed to study for the test, hence his poor grade.
16. She saved money diligently; hence, she could afford a vacation.
17. The bridge is closed for repairs; hence, find an alternate route.
18. He overslept and missed the bus; hence, he arrived late.
19. The recipe called for eggs, hence the trip to the store.
20. He was exhausted from the hike; hence, he took a long nap.
21. She didn't like the city's hustle and bustle; hence, she moved.
22. The car broke down on the highway; hence, we called for a tow.
23. They disagreed on the plan; hence, they needed a compromise.
24. She aced the interview; hence, she got the job.