thus
Americanadverb
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in the way just indicated; in this way.
Stated thus, the problem seems trivial.
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in such or the following manner; so.
Thus it came to pass.
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accordingly; consequently.
It is late, and thus you must go.
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to this extent or degree.
thus far.
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as an example; for instance.
adverb
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in this manner
do it thus
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to such a degree
thus far and no further
Usage
See thusly.
Etymology
Origin of thus
First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Dutch dus
Explanation
Use the adverb thus in place of words like therefore or so when you want to sound proper. Use thus interchangeably with words like consequently, ergo, hence, and just like that. For example, if you want to sound fancy you could say no one showed up for water aerobics, thus the class was cancelled. It had to be thus. Thus is also, rarely, a noun that means a good-smelling gum resin from trees that we don't really use anymore.
Vocabulary lists containing thus
The Gettysburg Address, List 2
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"The Sun Rising" by John Donne
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Kim’s nuclear program thus far has proven to be a deterrent against military attacks or attempts to forcibly unseat him from power, enabling him to shift his focus to the economy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
And thus, the Salon DJ Collective was born.
From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026
"It is anticipated that with the continuing cost-of-living crisis, this is going to impact further on those who are already struggling, as well as those who have just managed to survive thus far," it said.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
These erratic financial operations which are very large relative to Ireland's domestic economy thus generate heightened volatility in national and European statistics.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
He was, after all, medical director of Zanmi Lasante, and thus had the authority to make changes to the official policy.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
