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

Explanation

The adverb therefore means as a result or consequence, or "for that reason." Cats and dogs tend to fight; therefore, keep your pets apart at night if you want to get some sleep. The adverb therefore is also used to introduce a conclusion that follows based on logic. You'll see this construction a lot in logic, math, and science, for example. Of course, sometimes the conclusions are false, as in this argument: "All fish live in water. A whale lives in water. Therefore, a whale is a fish." A whale is, in fact, a mammal. Therefore, the argument that a whale is a fish is wrong.

Example Sentences

"It is therefore important to understand how both of these are changing."

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

Bulls should therefore lean on today’s pullback as an opportunity.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

It’s also getting more gruesome, and therefore less fun.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Don’t be surprised, therefore, if the Fed cuts rates by that much as soon as the geopolitical dust settles.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

“I leave an excellent substitute in my daughter. Emma will be happy to entertain you. And therefore I think I will beg your excuse and take my three turns—my winter walk.”

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

Related Words

• accordingly
• so
• then
• thus