therefore

[ thair-fawr, -fohr ]

adverb

1. in consequence of that; as a result; consequently:

   I think; therefore I am.

   Synonyms: whence, hence

therefore

/ ˈðɛəˌfɔː /

sentence connector

1. thus; hence: used to mark an inference on the speaker's part

   those people have their umbrellas up: therefore, it must be raining

2. consequently; as a result

   they heard the warning on the radio and therefore took another route

Word History and Origins

Origin of therefore¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English ther(e)fore, variant of therfor therefor

Synonym Study

Therefore, wherefore, accordingly, consequently, so, then all introduce a statement resulting from, or caused by, what immediately precedes. Therefore (for this or that reason) and wherefore (for which reason) imply exactness of reasoning; they are especially used in logic, law, mathematics, etc., and in a formal style of speaking or writing. Accordingly (in conformity with the preceding) and consequently (as a result, or sequence, or effect of the preceding), although also somewhat formal, occur mainly in less technical contexts. So (because the preceding is true or this being the case) and then (since the preceding is true) are informal or conversational in tone.

Example Sentences

Other actions, such as initiating new free-trade-agreement talks, take time and could therefore be easily stopped by the incoming Trump administration before they got far.

From Los Angeles Times

"The ocean has no boundaries and therefore a collaborative approach is required to ensure coral survival and guarantee their future."

From Salon

It is tempting, therefore, to argue that the best response is to not feed the troll by giving her the attention she craves.

From Salon

A long-standing question therefore has been whether the immune system can generate antibodies -- proteins that recognise and neutralise specific pathogens -- that can target the wide variety of PfEMP1 types in circulation.

From Science Daily

"Our findings highlight the importance of identifying patients with high-risk who are most likely to benefit from heart protection, and therefore, minimize unnecessary side effects and health care costs for low-risk people," Bonatto said.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• accordingly
• so
• then
• thus