D
Dicread
HomeDictionarySsince

since

since
ConjunctionPrepositionAdverb

When used to indicate time, this word establishes a fixed starting point in the past and creates a bridge to the present. It is most frequently paired with the present perfect tense to emphasize a continuous state or a repeated action that began at that specific moment.

When used as a causal conjunction meaning because, it typically introduces a reason that is already known to the listener or is considered obvious. This makes it softer and less emphatic than because, which is used to introduce new or more critical information.

Meanings

Conjunctionsince
[~ clause]

From a particular time in the past until now.

I have not seen him since we graduated from college.

Conjunctionsince
[~ clause]

For the reason that; because.

Since it is raining, we should stay indoors.

Prepositionsince
[~ noun phrase]

From a specific point in time in the past until the present.

She has been much happier since her move to the coast.

Adverbsince

From a particular time in the past until now.

He left the company ten years ago and hasn't returned since.

Examples

I have not heard from her since the wedding ended.

Travel

He has been working on that painting since dawn.

I wonder if anything has changed since I last visited this town.

Travel

Since the evidence is clear, the detective concluded that the butler did it.

Detective

They moved to Paris in 2010 and have lived there ever since.

The kingdom has known peace since the treaty was signed.

Fantasy

Related Words

Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error