therefore
[th air-fawr, -fohr]
- in consequence of that; as a result; consequently: I think; therefore I am.
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Origin of therefore
Synonyms
See more synonyms for therefore on Thesaurus.comhence, whence.
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for therefore
Contemporary Examples
Therefore, it is not possible for any F-35 schedule to include a video data link or infrared pointer at this point.
It's cheesy and ludicrous and, therefore, delightful; it's the reading equivalent of hate-watching.
Therefore, some Democrats are under pressure to take policy actions their union allies oppose.
Therefore, we should—you guessed it—develop the Canadian tar sands and build the Keystone pipeline.
This may be the case—but it is not remotely plausible evidence that this attack was therefore orchestrated by North Korea.
Historical Examples
The searchers, therefore, were directed to beat up the near-by country.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
More than a bare recital of the wretched facts, therefore, is not seemly.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
As a foil to his austerity, therefore, she would be audaciously gay in his presence.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
Nevertheless, I have many things to thank him for, and therefore he deserves praise.
Explorations in AustraliaJohn Forrest
From that time, therefore, Captain Rushton was known as Mr. Smith.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
therefore
- thus; hence: used to mark an inference on the speaker's partthose people have their umbrellas up: therefore, it must be raining
- consequently; as a resultthey heard the warning on the radio and therefore took another route
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for therefore
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper