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since

Since is defined as "because," or it also refers to a period of time that has passed after a specific event.

(adverb)

An example of since is when you are late because your watch broke.
An example of since is the period of time that has passed after yesterday.

See since in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adverb

from then until now: she arrived Tuesday and has been here ever since
at some or any time between then and now; subsequently: he was ill last week but has since recovered
before the present time; before now; ago: they are long since gone

Origin: ME syns, contr. < sithens, adv. gen. of sithen < OE siththan, for earlier *siththon < sith, after, since (for IE base see side) + thon, instrumental form of thæt, that

continuously from (the time given) until now: out walking since one o'clock
during the period between (the time given) and now; subsequently to: many achievements since his election

conjunction

during the period from the specified time or event until the present: I haven't seen him since we were in high school
continuously from the time when: I've been lonely since he left
inasmuch as; because: since you are finished, let's go

See since in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adverb

From then until now or between then and now: They left town and haven't been here since.
Before now; ago: a name long since forgotten.
After some point in the past; at a subsequent time: My friend has since married and moved to California.

preposition

Continuously from: They have been friends since childhood.
Intermittently from: She's been skiing since childhood.

conjunction

During the period subsequent to the time when: He hasn't been home since he graduated.
Continuously from the time when: They have been friends ever since they were in grade school.
Inasmuch as; because: Since you're not interested, I won't tell you about it.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English sinnes

Origin: , contraction of sithenes

Origin: : sithen, since (from Old English siththan : sīth, after + than variant of thām, dative of thǽt, that; see that)

Origin: + -es, adv. suff.; see -s³

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