# thrice

/ˈθɹaɪs/ (US) · /θɹˈaɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thrice
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

three times. You use this when you want to say something happened or was done three times in a row.

For teachers: three times in succession or on three separate occasions. Often used in literary or formal contexts, or for rhythmic emphasis in speech.

## Examples

- I knocked thrice on the wooden door.
- The bell chimed thrice to signal the beginning of the evening ceremony.
- The protagonist was warned thrice by the oracle, yet he chose to ignore the prophecy and continue his journey toward the mountains.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I have been there for thrice" but "I have been there thrice" — As an adverb of frequency, it does not require a preposition like 'for' or 'at'.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed after the verb or at the end of the clause; considered formal or slightly archaic in modern conversation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.