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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An extraordinary and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws, and is therefore attributed to a divine agency? Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 In total, a modern offer from the U.S. government could therefore total over $2.2 billion, with regular payments following each year, based on Truman's previous offer and more recent comments. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025 Beauty is still an offline category, therefore stores are still very important. Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025 Ramsey is reprising their role as Ellie, the sullen American teenager who is immune to the cordyceps fungus turning everyone else into zombies and who may, therefore, hold the key to humanity’s rescue. Zing Tsjeng, Vogue, 11 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 23 Apr. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on therefore

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