therefore
Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.
Adverb
- 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.
- For that; for it (in reference to a previous statement).
- Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? - 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Matthew 19:27:
Origin
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.
Synonyms
so thus to that end to this end hence then accordingly as a result it follows that thereby eo ipso ∴ as such consequently ergo in consequence in that case pursuantly subsequently thence therefore whence wherefore
Antonyms
Related
— henceafter henceforth henceforward henceforwards hencefrom hereabout hereabouts hereabove hereafter hereafters hereagainst hereamong hereanent hereat hereaway herebefore hereby herefor herefore hereforth hereforward hereforwards herefrom