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thus; hence: used to mark an inference on the speaker's part
those people have their umbrellas up: therefore, it must be raining
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consequently; as a result
they heard the warning on the radio and therefore took another route
Related Words
Therefore, wherefore, accordingly, consequently, so, then all introduce a statement resulting from, or caused by, what immediately precedes. Therefore (for this or that reason) and wherefore (for which reason) imply exactness of reasoning; they are especially used in logic, law, mathematics, etc., and in a formal style of speaking or writing. Accordingly (in conformity with the preceding) and consequently (as a result, or sequence, or effect of the preceding), although also somewhat formal, occur mainly in less technical contexts. So (because the preceding is true or this being the case) and then (since the preceding is true) are informal or conversational in tone.
Etymology
Origin of therefore
First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English ther(e)fore, variant of therfor therefor
Compare meaning
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Temperatures will therefore noticeably drop to around 10 to 14C across most areas.
From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026
The analysts therefore cut their 2026-2027 earnings-per-share estimates by 5.9%-8.8% assuming lower NIM and a higher cost of credit.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
And the third included those without enough supporting information for the FDA to make an informed decision and therefore wouldn’t be used for compounding.
From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026
Still, he acknowledged, they are human and can make mistakes, and therefore they should be using a secure portal or another safe method for transferring documents digitally.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026
Anyone who favored a strong executive was vulnerable to the charge of being a quasi-monarchist, and therefore a traitor to the republican principles of the American Revolution.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.