therefore
Americanadverb
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thus; hence: used to mark an inference on the speaker's part
those people have their umbrellas up: therefore, it must be raining
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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:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Those stats can in part be put down to match situations - for example Australia needing only 65 in their second innings in Brisbane and therefore able to attack and reach their target in 10 overs.
From BBC
She says children's needs and therefore the demands of the job have intensified since the Covid-19 pandemic with pupils more anxious and less well socialised.
From BBC
“The City’s position has been to insist that no actions taken or proposed by Waymo would satisfy the complaining neighbors and therefore must be deemed insufficient.”
From Los Angeles Times
The midfield duo therefore need to be able to carry out these instructions.
From BBC
"But things should not move so quickly that we destroy a large part of nature in the process: we must therefore rush slowly," he said.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
