What does "thus" mean?
Alternative form of thuris.
Thus
/ˈðʌs/ adv, name, noun
adv, name, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Alternative form of thuris.
- Grammar: thus is listed as adv, name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: hence, therefore, accordingly, after this fashion.
- Useful contrasts: dutch rust, alternatively, differently.
- Usage evidence: And thus his attention was distracted from the sight.
How to use "thus"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "thus" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "thus" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "thus" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "thus" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "thus" is acting as adv, name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "hence" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "thus", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Alternative form of thuris. alt-of, alternative, formal, literary, uncountable
- 2 an aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees; formerly valued for worship and for embalming and fumigation wordnet
Adverb
- 1 In this way or manner. formal, literary, not-comparable
"If you throw the ball thus, as I’m showing you, you’ll have better luck hitting the target."
- 2 As a result. conjunctive, formal, literary, not-comparable
"I have all the tools I need; thus, I will be able to fix the car without having to call a mechanic."
Adverb
- 1 (used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result wordnet
- 2 in the way indicated wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 plural of Thu form-of, plural
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"And thus his attention was distracted from the sight."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "thus"?
Common synonyms include: hence, therefore, accordingly, after this fashion, ah, along these lines.
How do you use "thus" in a sentence?
And thus his attention was distracted from the sight.
How do you pronounce "thus"?
Pronounced /ˈðʌs/.
Etymology
From Middle English thus, þus, from Old English þus (“thus, in this way, as follows, in this manner, to this extent”), from Proto-West Germanic *þus (“so, thus”), perhaps originally from a variant of the instrumental form of this, related to Old English þȳs (“by this, with this”), Old Saxon thius (“by this, with this”). Cognate with Scots thus (“thus”), North Frisian thus, Saterland Frisian dus, düs (“thus”), West Frisian dus (“thus”), Dutch dus (“thus, so”), Middle High German dus (“thus, as follows”). Compare also Dutch zus (“thus, hence”), Low German sus (“thus, hence”), Middle High German sus (“thus, hence”), a similar formation from the stem of Proto-West Germanic *swā (“so”).