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How to Say Since: Pronunciation, Definition

Master since with pronunciation tips, definition, origin, alternatives and real usage examples for clear, confident English.

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How to Pronounce Since

How to Pronounce "Since"

First Sound: Start with the "s" sound. It is like the sound at the beginning of "see" or "sun".
Middle Sound: Next, say the short "i" sound. It is like the sound in "sit" or "bit".
Ending Sound: Then, say the ending "ns" together. Begin with the "n" sound, quickly followed by the "s" sound.
Putting It Together: Combine the sounds smoothly: "s" + "i" + "ns". Practice saying it slowly, then faster until it sounds like one word, since.
Practice Tip: Listen to native speakers and repeat after them. Use simple words like "since then" to help with the rhythm and flow.

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What Does Since Mean

Understanding the Word Since

Time Reference: "Since" tells us when something started. For example, in the sentence "I have lived here since 2010," it means that you started living here in 2010 and you still live here.
Reason or Cause: "Since" can also mean "because." For example, "Since it is raining, we will stay indoors" explains that we will stay indoors because it is raining.
Simple Explanation: When you use "since," you might be showing a starting time for an event or giving a reason for something that happens.

Understanding the Word Since

Time Reference: "Since" tells us when something started. For example, in the sentence "I have lived here since 2010," it means that you started living here in 2010 and you still live here.
Reason or Cause: "Since" can also mean "because." For example, "Since it is raining, we will stay indoors" explains that we will stay indoors because it is raining.
Simple Explanation: When you use "since," you might be showing a starting time for an event or giving a reason for something that happens.

The Origin of the Word Since

Origin of "Since"

The word since is a small and common word in English that has an interesting history. Its roots go back to Old English. In Old English, the word was written as siþan, which meant "after" or "later". Over time, its use grew to include both time and cause.

Old English Origins: "Since" comes from the Old English word "siþan." The meaning was mainly about time; it showed that something happened after another event.
Proto-Germanic Influence: The journey of the word can also be traced to the Proto-Germanic language with similar words carrying the idea of "later" or "after."
Evolution of Meaning: As English developed, the meaning of "since" expanded. People started to use it not only to talk about time but also to introduce a reason or cause, similar to saying "because".
Modern Use: Today, "since" is used in two main ways:
- Time: "I have been waiting since morning." (indicating when something started)
- Reason: "Since it is raining, we will stay indoors." (giving a reason)

This change in usage shows how words can collect extra meanings over time while still keeping a link to their original sense. Learning about the word since gives us insight into how languages grow and change, showing a connection between time and cause that is still visible today.

Origin of "Since"

Old English Origins: "Since" comes from the Old English word "siþan." The meaning was mainly about time; it showed that something happened after another event.
Proto-Germanic Influence: The journey of the word can also be traced to the Proto-Germanic language with similar words carrying the idea of "later" or "after."
Evolution of Meaning: As English developed, the meaning of "since" expanded. People started to use it not only to talk about time but also to introduce a reason or cause, similar to saying "because".
Modern Use: Today, "since" is used in two main ways:
- Time: "I have been waiting since morning." (indicating when something started)
- Reason: "Since it is raining, we will stay indoors." (giving a reason)

What to Say Instead Since

Because

Similarity: Both "since" and "because" introduce a cause or reason.
Context Usage: Use "because" when you want to make the reason explicit, e.g., "I stayed home because it was raining."

Because

Similarity: Both "since" and "because" introduce a cause or reason.
Context Usage: Use "because" when you want to make the reason explicit, e.g., "I stayed home because it was raining."

As

Similarity: "As" can serve the same causal function as "since," implying a reason.
Context Usage: It's common in formal writing, e.g., "As it was getting late, we decided to leave."

As

Similarity: "As" can serve the same causal function as "since," implying a reason.
Context Usage: It's common in formal writing, e.g., "As it was getting late, we decided to leave."

For

Similarity: "For" can replace "since" in contexts where a reason is provided, though it is more formal or literary.
Context Usage: Often found in written or rhetorical contexts, e.g., "I must retire early, for I have an early morning meeting."

For

Similarity: "For" can replace "since" in contexts where a reason is provided, though it is more formal or literary.
Context Usage: Often found in written or rhetorical contexts, e.g., "I must retire early, for I have an early morning meeting."

Seeing That

Similarity: This phrase explicitly states a reason, much like "since."
Context Usage: It works well in both formal and informal writing, e.g., "Seeing that you are here, we can start the meeting."

Seeing That

Similarity: This phrase explicitly states a reason, much like "since."
Context Usage: It works well in both formal and informal writing, e.g., "Seeing that you are here, we can start the meeting."

Inasmuch As

Similarity: "Inasmuch as" conveys a cause-and-effect relationship similar to "since," with a more formal tone.
Context Usage: Appropriate for formal documents, e.g., "Inasmuch as the evidence is indisputable, the verdict is clear."

Inasmuch As

Similarity: "Inasmuch as" conveys a cause-and-effect relationship similar to "since," with a more formal tone.
Context Usage: Appropriate for formal documents, e.g., "Inasmuch as the evidence is indisputable, the verdict is clear."

Considering That

Similarity: This synonym introduces a reasoning clause, paralleling the function of "since."
Context Usage: It is often used to introduce a fact or condition that justifies the following statement, e.g., "Considering that the project is behind schedule, we must expedite our efforts."

Considering That

Similarity: This synonym introduces a reasoning clause, paralleling the function of "since."
Context Usage: It is often used to introduce a fact or condition that justifies the following statement, e.g., "Considering that the project is behind schedule, we must expedite our efforts."

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Common Phrases and Examples with Since

Sentence: I haven't eaten anything since breakfast.
Explanation: This sentence shows 'since' used to mark time from breakfast until now.

Sentence: Since it started raining, we stayed indoors.
Explanation: Here, 'since' means 'because'. It gives a reason for staying indoors.

Sentence: She has been happy since she moved to the city.
Explanation: In this sentence, 'since' marks the time when she moved to the city as the start of her happiness.

Sentence: Since you are here, let's start the meeting.
Explanation: 'Since' is used to mean 'because', showing a reason for starting the meeting.

Sentence: Since Monday, I have been learning new words.
Explanation: 'Since' shows a starting point in time, from Monday to now.

Sentence: The streets have been quiet since the festival ended.
Explanation: This sentence uses 'since' to indicate the time when the festival ended as the beginning of quietness.