then (thĕn)
adv.
1. At that time: I was still in school then. Come at noon; I'll be ready then.
2. Next in time, space, or order; immediately afterward: watched the late movie and then went to bed.
3. In addition; moreover; besides: It costs $20, and then there's the sales tax to pay.
4. Used after but to qualify or balance a preceding statement: The star was nervous, but then who isn't on the first night of a new play.
5. In that case; accordingly: If traffic is heavy, then allow extra time.
6. As a consequence; therefore: The case, then, is closed.
conj.
Usage Problem And after that: I showered, then combed my hair.
n.
That time or moment: The bus leaves at four; until then let's walk.
adj.
Being so at that time: the then chairman of the board.
Idiom:
then again
From another standpoint; on the other hand: I need a vacation. Then again, so do my coworkers.
[Middle English, from Old English thenne; see to- in Indo-European roots.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
When it is obvious from the context that the intended word or meaning is: "than."
than (thăn, thən)
conj.
1. Used after a comparative adjective or adverb to introduce the second element or clause of an unequal comparison: She is a better athlete than I.
2. Used to introduce the second element after certain words indicating difference: He draws quite differently than she does.
3. When. Used especially after hardly and scarcely: I had scarcely walked in the door than the commotion started.
preparation. Usage Problem
In comparison or contrast with: could run faster than him; outclassed everyone other than her.
[Middle English, from Old English thanne, than; see to- in Indo-European roots.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
I hope you are not offended by the correction; that was not my intention, and I hope you will feel to correct me whenever you see me make similar errors, and will forgive me for being such a stickler in the correct use of language!