What does thus mean?
Thus is an English adverb with two closely related uses. It can mean “in this way” or “in that manner,” pointing back to a particular method or course of action: “Arrange the shelves thus.” More often in formal writing, it means “as a result” or “therefore,” joining a conclusion to the reasoning that precedes it: “The evidence was incomplete; thus, no firm conclusion could be reached.” The word is especially characteristic of academic, legal, and literary prose, where it functions as a clear logical bridge. In everyday conversation, speakers usually choose “so,” although that word can also carry emphatic or degree meanings that “thus” cannot. “Thus far” is a familiar set phrase meaning “up to this point.” Although modern usage sometimes makes the consequence sense feel dominant, the original sense remains natural. Recognising both senses helps a reader interpret whether a sentence is describing a method or drawing an inference from what came before.
adverbIn this way or in that manner; as a result or therefore.
- As a result; consequently; therefore.
- In this way or in that manner.
"The experiment was repeated several times and thus yielded more reliable data."
"The two approaches are complementary and thus provide a more complete account."
"The stones were arranged thus, forming a pattern along the riverbank."
Old English speakers already had “thus”—and the word has served as both a practical instruction and a logical bridge ever since.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does thus come from?
English thus comes from Old English þūs, which was used in the sense “in this way.” Its use to mean “as a result” became established in Middle English. The word belongs to an ancient demonstrative family reflected in forms such as thou and in cognates including Dutch dus and Icelandic þú.
How thus is actually used
Thus is common in formal, academic, legal, and literary English. In everyday speech, so is usually more natural. The consequence sense is especially frequent, while the manner sense is often literary or technical.
Easily confused with thus
Thus is especially formal and commonly marks a logical consequence, whereas so is more common in conversation and can also indicate degree or intensity.
Therefore is used chiefly to introduce a conclusion, while thus can also mean “in this way” or “in that manner.”