therefore

American  

[thair-fawr, -fohr] / ˈðɛərˌfɔr, -ˌfoʊr /

adverb

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

   I think; therefore I am.

   Synonyms:

   whence, hence

---

therefore British  

/ ˈðɛəˌfɔː /

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

---

Related Words

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.

Etymology

Origin of therefore

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

Compare meaning

How does therefore compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• therefor vs. therefore

Example Sentences

Still, he acknowledged, they are human and can make mistakes, and therefore they should be using a secure portal or another safe method for transferring documents digitally.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Members said “they could therefore take some time to see how the war in Iran evolved and what it meant for the outlook.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

After this wind-up, the reader might expect Gorsuch to declare that Colorado’s law does not pass strict scrutiny and therefore violates the First Amendment.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

Each Green candidate on the North East list therefore moves up one place, meaning that Chapman secured the position of lead candidate.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Inaccurate data from countries with high incidences of MDR have made it difficult for pharmaceutical companies to meet demand for these drugs consistently, and therefore market prices have fluctuated.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

• accordingly
• so
• then
• thus