Since

Definition

Since is a conjunction, preposition, and adverb used to indicate the time from a past event until the present, or to explain a reason or cause.

Parts of Speech

• Conjunction
• Preposition
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɪns/
• Respelling: SINCE

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /sɪns/
• Respelling: SINCE

Etymology

The word "since" originates from Middle English "sithen," meaning "from the time when," derived from Old English "sīþ," meaning "after." It developed into Modern English through an alteration influenced by "once" and other temporal markers.

Derivatives

• Sincere (adjective, unrelated etymologically but often confused)
• Since then (phrase)
• Ever since (phrase)
• Long since (phrase)
• Since that (phrase)

Synonyms

• Because
• As
• From

Antonyms

• Until
• None
• None

Usage

The term "since" is widely used in both temporal and causal contexts. Examples include "It has been raining since morning" (preposition) and "He stayed home since he was feeling ill" (conjunction).

Related Terms

• After: Referring to a subsequent time.
• Until: Indicating a continuation up to a point.
• Because: Introducing a reason or cause.

Detailed Definitions

Conjunction

• To indicate reason or cause: Used to explain why something happened.
  • Example: "She stayed home since she wasn’t feeling well."

Preposition

• From a past time until now: Indicates the starting point of an action or event.
  • Example: "They have lived here since 2010."

Adverb

• In the intervening time: Refers to what has occurred between a past point and now.
  • Example: "He left the city years ago and hasn’t returned since."