WordGarden.iothus
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ðˈʌs/
US
- /ˈðəs/
Meanings
Adverb
in this way or as shown
for this reason; therefore
Beyond the definition
"Thus" is a formal word that usually means "in this way" or "for that reason." It often works like "so" or "therefore," especially when one idea leads to the next. You will often see it in essays, books, and other careful writing. For example: "He studied diligently; thus, he earned an A+." Here, it shows the result of what came before. It can also introduce a method, as in "The problem was solved thus: by working step by step."
Imagine a skilled clockmaker carefully assembling the gears of a timepiece. Each piece is placed with care, and when the final gear clicks into place, the clock springs to life. You might say, "Thus was created a magnificent work of art." In that sentence, the word points to the way something came to be.
"Thus" is mainly an adverb meaning "in this manner," "as a result," or "therefore." It often connects a cause and an effect and gives the sentence a more formal tone than "so." You will find it often in classic literature, academic writing, and legal language. Think of Shakespeare's line from Hamlet: "Thus conscience does make cowards of us all." There, it helps show how one idea leads to a result.
But it is not used only for results. It can also introduce an explanation or show how something is done. For instance: "The experiment was conducted thus: first, we added the acid..." Here, it means "in this way" and introduces the method.
While it is less common in everyday conversation, "thus" is still useful when you want your writing to sound clear, formal, and logical. It helps connect action to result, or method to explanation. In short, it is a small word that often carries a strong sense of order and reasoning.
Examples
- 1
Travel problem
He forgot his passport and thus missed the flight.
- 2
Cost savings
The factory cut its energy use and thus reduced its costs.
- 3
Research conclusion
The two tests showed similar results. Thus, the researchers felt more confident.
- 4
Result clause
The new bridge links the island to the mainland, thus making travel much easier.
- Patternthus + -ing form
and as a result, it ...
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Until now
Thus far, no one has come up with a better plan.
- Phrasethus far
until now
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- accordingly
- so
- as a result
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- and thus
- thus leading to
- thus making
Explore
- logical consequence
- discourse marker
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- thusadverbnoun