therefore
Americanadverb
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thus; hence: used to mark an inference on the speaker's part
those people have their umbrellas up: therefore, it must be raining
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consequently; as a result
they heard the warning on the radio and therefore took another route
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:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Measuring waist size may therefore provide a better way to identify people at higher risk than relying on BMI alone.
From Science Daily
It was therefore fitting the midfielder scored the first goal, which ultimately ended the visitors' hopes of a comeback and sent Villa through.
From BBC
The jury apparently agreed with the argument that the sheriff’s officers were acting in a public capacity during the raid and therefore were not shielded from criticism of their behavior.
From Los Angeles Times
"Last night was not like a televised football match or a St Patrick's Day celebration. It was an act of domination and therefore division."
From BBC
“White meat was marketed as leaner and therefore ‘better for you,’ and that messaging stuck.”
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
