Hence vs. Thus: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 28, 2023
"Hence" implies a direct result, "from this time/place"; "Thus" indicates "in this manner," or "for this reason." Both infer consequence.
Key Differences
"Hence" is a term used to demonstrate a conclusion drawn from a preceding statement, often implying a direct result or consequence. "Thus," however, is used to signify the manner or degree of an action, indicating the method or result in abstract terms rather than specific consequences.
"Hence" often implies a future orientation, used in contexts where what follows is a direct consequence of what has been previously stated. "Thus," contrastingly, is more about summarizing a situation or restating something for clarity, without a strong implication of direct causation.
"Hence" can refer to a future time or a result, suggesting a forward motion from a current point, either in time or in argument. "Thus" doesn’t imply a movement in time but rather conveys a sense of conclusion or result, offering a summarization or restatement.
"Hence" bears a sense of departure from a point, often used in logical arguments where one point leads directly to another. "Thus" is more about providing a clarification, explanation, or a conclusive statement, without the sense of leaving something behind.
"Hence" carries an implication of a logical conclusion that’s almost inevitable based on the preceding content. "Thus" reflects more on the method or manner of something coming to be, often used to restate or summarize a point in a discussion or argument.
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Comparison Chart
Implication
Direct result, future orientation
Method, manner, summarization
Usage
Consequence, forward motion
Clarification, restatement
Time orientation
Often future
Present or general
Context
Logical conclusions, departures
Explanations, conclusive statements
Tone
Slightly more formal
Neutral
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Hence and Thus Definitions
Hence
From this time
Two weeks hence, we'll see the change.
Thus
As a result
The contract expired, thus the service ended.
Hence
From this place
They traveled north, hence arriving in Canada.
Thus
In this way
He worked hard; thus, success followed.
Hence
Resulting from
The cell phone was unattended, hence the theft.
Thus
Therefore
She forgot the tickets, thus we returned home.
Hence
As a consequence
He studied, hence his success.
Thus
Consequently
It rained heavily, thus the game was postponed.
Hence
For this reason; therefore
Handmade and hence expensive.
Thus
In this manner
Lay the pieces out thus. See Usage Note at thusly.
Hence
From this source
They grew up in the Sudan.
Hence their interest in Nubian art.
Thus
To a stated degree or extent; so.
Hence
From this time; from now
A year hence it will be forgotten.
Thus
Therefore; consequently
Thus it was necessary for me to resign.
Hence
From this place; away from here
Get you hence!.
Thus
For example
Few of the nation's largest cities are state capitals.
Thus neither New York nor Chicago is the seat of its state's government.
Hence
From this life.
Thus
(manner) In this way or manner.
If you throw the ball thus, as I’m showing you, you’ll have better luck hitting the target.
Hence
(archaic) from here, from this place, away
I'm going hence, because you have insulted me.
Get thee hence, Satan!
Thus
(conjunctive) As a result.
I have all the tools I need; thus, I will be able to fix the car without having to call a mechanic.
Hence
From the living or from this world
After a long battle, my poor daughter was taken hence.
Thus
The commoner kind of frankincense, or that obtained from the Norway spruce, the long-leaved pine, and other conifers.
Hence
(of a length of time) in the future from now
A year hence it will be forgotten.
Thus
In this or that manner; on this wise.
Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.
Thus God the heaven created, thus the earth.
Hence
(conjunctive) as a result; therefore, for this reason
I shall go to Japan and hence will not be here in time for the party.
The purse is handmade and hence very expensive.
Thus
To this degree or extent; so far; so; as, thus wise; thus peaceble; thus bold.
Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds.
Hence
(obsolete) Go away! Begone!
"...Hence! and bestow your dead
Where no wrong against him cries!"
Thus
An aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees; formerly valued for worship and for embalming and fumigation
Hence
To utter "hence!" to; to send away.
Thus
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result;
Therefore X must be true
The eggs were fresh and hence satisfactory
We were young and thence optimistic
It is late and thus we must go
The witness is biased and so cannot be trusted
Hence
To depart; to go away.
Thus
In the way indicated;
Hold the brush so
Set up the pieces thus
Hence
From this place; away.
Arise, let us go hence.
I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
Thus
To this degree
The budget was cut, thus affecting the scope.
Hence
From this time; in the future; as, a week hence.
Hence
From this reason; therefore; - as an inference or deduction.
Hence, perhaps, it is, that Solomon calls the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom.
Hence
From this source or origin.
All other faces borrowed henceTheir light and grace.
Whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts?
An ancient author prophesied from hence.
Expelled from hence into a worldOf woe and sorrow.
Hence
To send away.
Hence
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result;
Therefore X must be true
The eggs were fresh and hence satisfactory
We were young and thence optimistic
It is late and thus we must go
The witness is biased and so cannot be trusted
Hence
From this place;
Get thee hence!
Hence
From this time;
A year hence it will be forgotten
Hence
Therefore
She was late, hence missed the meeting.
FAQs
Does "hence" suggest a logical consequence?
Yes, it often indicates a result or effect.
Is "thus" synonymous with "therefore"?
They're similar, but "thus" often relates to manner or degree.
Can "thus" start a sentence?
Yes, it can start a sentence as a summarizing point.
Does "thus" imply causality?
It can, but it's more about summarizing or restating.
Does "hence" require a preceding cause?
Generally, yes, it follows a cause or reason.
Is "hence" interchangeable with "thus"?
Not always; "hence" implies direct consequence, "thus" restates or summarizes.
Is "thus" formal?
It's less formal than "hence" but still used in formal writing.
Can "thus" end a sentence?
Rarely; it usually precedes the point being made.
Is "hence" a formal term?
Yes, it's often used in formal contexts.
Can "hence" refer to a future time?
Yes, it can indicate a departure from the present moment.
Does "hence" mean "from now"?
It can, especially when referring to time.
Does "thus" always follow a comma?
Often, but not necessarily; it depends on sentence structure.
Can "hence" start a sentence?
Less commonly, but it's grammatically acceptable.
Can "thus" clarify a previous statement?
Yes, it's often used for clarification or explanation.
Can "hence" be used in everyday conversation?
It's less common in casual speech, more formal.
Does "thus" suggest a conclusion?
Yes, it often introduces a summarizing point.
Is "hence" old-fashioned?
It's less common in modern casual speech but still used formally.
Is "hence" synonymous with "therefore"?
They're similar, but "hence" can also imply time/place departure.
Is "thus" used in logical arguments?
Yes, it can introduce a logical conclusion.
Is "thus" a conjunction?
It's an adverb, often used like a conjunction in meaning.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
