Quick answer
Thence usually means “from there.” In formal writing, it can also mean “from that point” or “therefore.”
Word page
Thence Meaning
Thence means from that place, from that time, or from that source. It is a compact old word for movement away from “there,” and it can also point to a consequence.
At a glance
Archaic and Forgotten WordsPompous and Grandiloquent WordsFunny-Sounding Words
How to say it
Pronunciation tip: keep the main stress on the capitalized syllable in THENS.
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, thence points away from a place, moment, or source already mentioned. “They traveled to York and thence to London” means they went from York to London.
Tone, context, and nuance
Thence is formal, old-fashioned, and precise. It can be useful in historical narrative or formal sequencing, but most modern writing uses “from there,” “after that,” or “therefore.”
Example sentences
- Simple: They reached the coast and thence sailed north.
- Everyday: “From there” is usually clearer than “thence.”
- Writing: The rumor spread through the court and thence through the city.
- Nuance: Thence can point to place, time, source, or consequence.
- Awkward: “I am going thence.” Better: “I am going from there” or “I am going there,” depending on meaning.
Common mistakes
| Common mistake | Better guidance |
|---|---|
| Confusing thence with thither | Thence means from there; thither means to there. |
| Using from thence unnecessarily | Thence already includes the idea of from, so from thence is often redundant. |
| Using it in casual instructions | Most readers prefer from there or after that. |
| Missing the consequence sense | In formal writing, thence can also mean as a result. |
Synonyms and similar words
| Similar word | Difference or nuance |
|---|---|
| from there | Plain modern substitute. |
| from that time | Useful for time references. |
| thereafter | Means after that time. |
| therefore | Covers the consequence sense. |
| thither | Means to there, the opposite direction. |
Opposite words
thither, to there, toward that place, before that
Word family
Thence belongs with hence, whence, hither, thither, and whither: old English direction words that mark source and destination.
Word origin
Thence comes from older English forms meaning from there. Its source meaning is built into the word.
Writing tip
Use thence when you want formal sequence or historical flavor. Use “from there” for most readers.
Common questions
- What does thence mean in simple words? Thence means from there, from that time, or as a result.
- How do you pronounce thence? Thence is pronounced THENS.
- Is “from thence” wrong? It is often considered redundant because thence already means from there, though it appears historically.
- What is the difference between thence and thither? Thence means from there; thither means to there.
- Is thence still used today? Rarely in casual speech, but it appears in formal, literary, and historical writing.
- What is another word for thence? Use from there, after that, thereafter, or therefore, depending on context.
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Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 14, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.