therefore

adverb

there·​fore ˈt͟her-ˌfȯr How to pronounce therefore (audio)
1
a
: for that reason : consequently
b
: because of that
c
: on that ground
2
: to that end

Examples of therefore in a Sentence

To understand what has happened to the earth's atmosphere—and, therefore, how our climate might change in the future—some ice-core scientists in the Arctic are training their eyes directly downward. Bryan Walsh, Time, 18 Aug. 2008
Most Irish jump racing—and therefore most of the racing discussed in the book—is the laid-back pastime of enthusiasts … Max Watman, New York Times Book Review, 9 Apr. 2006
A good approach to finding out what makes us humans so darn special would therefore be to get complete maps of the human and chimp genomes, and compare the two. John Derbyshire, National Review, 7 Nov. 2005
Characteristically, however, Darwinists, like primitive economists, assume that what is humane—I use the word here, unexceptionably, as I believe, to mean whatever arises from the desire to mitigate competition and to put aside self-interest—is unnatural, and therefore wrong. Marilynne Robinson, The Death of Adam, (1998) 2005
I was once sitting behind a newspaper in the Swansea common room while two engineers, i.e. lecturers in engineering, therefore by common consent philistines, chatted together. Kingsley Amis, Memoirs, 1991
The cell phone is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around. Payment was received two weeks after it was due; therefore, you will be charged a late fee.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Nearly the entire musical, which is now being revived at Lincoln Center, therefore unfolds with our hero stuck fast inside one of the earth’s narrow pockets, his dwindling awareness reaching out toward the glittering, subterranean volumes all around him. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 Liverpool’s geography therefore contributed as much towards a less structured way of life as an overriding employment culture without contracts or certainty. Simon Hughes, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 The election was called by Carney on March 23, a week after he was sworn in as Liberal Party leader and therefore Prime Minister following Trudeau’s resignation. Callum Sutherland, Time, 28 Apr. 2025 The solution is therefore to find ways to make Trump pay a meaningful price for violating the law. Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for therefore

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of therefore was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Therefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/therefore. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

therefore

adverb
there·​fore ˈt͟ha(ə)r-ˌfō(ə)r How to pronounce therefore (audio)
ˈt͟he(ə)r-,
-ˌfȯ(ə)r
: for that reason : consequently
he lost the bet, therefore he must pay

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