English Explanatory Dictionary

therefore

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adv
  1. Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.
  2. For that; for it (in reference to a previous statement).

Pronunciation

/ˈðɛə.fɔː/ thârʹfôr /ˈðɛɹ.fɔɹ/ /ˈðɜːɹˌfɔːɹ/ en-us-therefore.ogg

Word forms

therefore

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.

Synonyms

then thus 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 so to that end to this end hence

Antonyms

nevertheless to that end to this end

Related words

— henceafter henceforth henceforward henceforwards hencefrom hereabout hereabouts hereabove hereafter hereafters hereagainst hereamong hereanent hereat hereaway herebefore hereby herefor herefore hereforth hereforward hereforwards herefrom herehence hereinabove hereinafter hereinbefore hereinbelow hereinelsewhere hereinsoever hereinto hereinunder heremid hereof hereon hereout hereover herethrough herethroughout hereto heretofore hereunto hereupon herewith herewithal herewithin herewithout hitherto hitherunto hitherward hitherwards howbeit however howso howsoever howsomedever howsomever thataway thatwise

Derived words

I think, therefore I am
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