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

“They’re consistently facing, kind of the lack of predictability of their work and therefore their income, so for a lot of people, that also affects where they can live.”

Read more on Salon

"There is therefore strong prospects that extradition will be effective," he said.

Read more on BBC

The judge therefore ordered him removed from the country and threw out his asylum case.

Read more on BBC

Mr Kaplan says he sees a couple of telltale signs the AI sector - and therefore the wider economy - could be in trouble.

Read more on BBC

Much of Xenarios and Anderson’s early work, therefore, focused on standardizing these interactions, to make them more respectful and effective.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• accordingly 
• so 
• then 
• thus