thus
THUHS
Thus (adv) means In this way or manner. Example: “Hold the pen thus, with your thumb and finger close to the tip.”
adv
1
In this way or manner.
"Hold the pen thus, with your thumb and finger close to the tip."
"The recipe should be followed thus: mix the dry ingredients first, then add the milk."
"If you throw the ball thus, as I’m showing you, you’ll have better luck hitting the target."
"She arranged the flowers thus, with the tallest stems at the back."
2
As a result; therefore.
"The road was closed for repairs, and we thus arrived at the party much later."
"Rain fell all night, thus making the football pitch too muddy to use."
"I have all the tools I need; thus, I will be able to fix the car without having to call a mechanic."
"He forgot his passport, thus missing the flight."
"Not unnaturally, “Auntie” took this communication in bad part. Thus outraged, she showed herself to be a bold as well as a furious virago."
— William Babington Maxwell (1918)
How to use thus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal word meaning either 'in this way' or 'as a result / therefore.'
When to use it
Fairly formal or literary; in everyday speech people usually say "so" or "this way" instead.
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Etymology
From Old English þus, related to the word "this."
Synonyms
View more →
accordingly
as a result
in this way
thereby
like so
like this
so
thusly
before
consequently
hence
therefore
Related words
Rhymes for thus
See all rhymes for thus →Frequently asked questions
What does “thus” mean?
The word “thus” means in this way or manner. In plain terms, a formal word meaning either 'in this way' or 'as a result / therefore.'.
How do you pronounce “thus”?
“Thus” is pronounced THUHS (/ˈðʌs/ in IPA).
How do you use “thus” in a sentence?
Here is “thus” used in a sentence: “She arranged the flowers thus, with the tallest stems at the back.”
What is another word for “thus”?
Words with a similar meaning to “thus” include like so, like this, so, thusly, before and consequently.
What part of speech is “thus”?
“Thus” is an adverb.
Where does the word “thus” come from?
The word “thus” comes from Old English. From Old English þus, related to the word "this.".
Is “thus” a common word?
“Thus” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “thus” have?
“Thus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in this way or manner.
What is the difference between thus and therefore?
Both can introduce a conclusion, meaning "as a result." The difference is that thus also means "in this way or manner" — "hold the brush thus" — a sense therefore never has. In the conclusion sense the two are interchangeable, though thus tends to feel slightly more formal and literary.
Is thus formal or informal?
Thus is decidedly formal. It appears most often in academic, legal, and literary writing, and can sound stiff or old-fashioned in casual speech. In everyday conversation, most people say "so," "that's why," or "this way" instead. Reserve thus for writing where a measured, formal tone genuinely suits.
What is an example of thus in a sentence?
Thus works in two ways. Meaning "in this manner": "Fold the paper thus, then crease it." Meaning "therefore": "The road was closed; thus we took a detour." You may also see "thus far," meaning "up to this point," as in "thus far the plan has worked."
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