therefore

[thair-fawr, -fohr]

adverb

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

   I think; therefore I am.

   Synonyms: whence, hence

therefore

/ 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

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

Some forces, including the Metropolitan Police Service and Greater Manchester Police, were unable to answer, therefore the total number of crime logs mentioning the objects is likely to be higher.

From BBC

He has said his aim is to produce coverage that is less politically skewed, and therefore has the ability to reach all audiences.

From BBC

Some tell me privately that the looming date of 2 November, when Badenoch will have been in office for a year and therefore open to a confidence vote, is "focusing minds" in the leader's office.

From BBC

Piastri objected to that decision, saying he thought they had agreed that slow pit stops were to be considered part of racing, and therefore not something that should be corrected.

From BBC

It therefore makes sense for Wirtz to be the central attacking force to knit everything together.

From BBC

Related Words

• accordingly 
• so 
• then 
• thus