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

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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

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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

"Girl with a Pearl Earring is one of the most famous paintings in the world... It is therefore loaned to other institutions only in highly exceptional circumstances," said the Mauritshuis.

From Barron's

The people of Greenland, whose autonomous government, elected last year, firmly rejected Washington’s entreaties, hold full Danish—and therefore European Union—citizenship.

From The Wall Street Journal

The prizes are therefore closely watched as indicators of who might be in the running for an Academy Award.

From Barron's

Any discussion of Washington buying Greenland therefore would need to start with Greenlanders telling Copenhagen they want independence.

From The Wall Street Journal

Intel hopes that impressive 18A chips could attract outside customers to use the process and therefore offset the billions of dollars worth of quarterly losses it is booking in its foundry, or chip-manufacturing unit.

From Barron's

Related Words

• accordingly
• so
• then
• thus