therefore

adv
/ˈðɛə.fɔː/UK/ˈðɛɹ.fɔɹ/US/ˈðɜːɹˌfɔːɹ/

Etymology

From Middle English therfore, therfor, tharfore, thorfore; synchronically a univerbation of there (pronominal adverb) + for, literally “for that (reason)”. The spelling has been changed due to a reanalysis as there + fore (literally “forward from that; thence”). See also therefor, ultimately the same formation. Compare Saterland Frisian deerfoar, Dutch daarvoor, German dafür, Danish and Norwegian derfor, Swedish därför.

  1. inherited from therfore

Definitions

  1. Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause

    Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.

    • Traditional values will always have a place—therefore, they will never lose relevance.
    • I've been explicitly forbidden to leave and therefore must stay longer.
    • I left the office at 5 o'clock. I was therefore not there when the fire started a quarter of an hour later.
  2. For that

    For that; for it (in reference to a previous statement).

    • Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

The neighborhood

Vish — recursive loop

No curated loop yet for therefore. Loops are being traced one word at a time while the ingestion pipeline matures.

sense glosses and etymology drawn from English Wiktionary · source · CC-BY-SA