Therefore: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿค”
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therefore

 

[ หˆรฐษ›หfษ”ห ]

Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

in reasoning

For that reason; consequently

Synonyms

consequently, hence, so, thus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
therefore

Used to indicate a logical result or conclusion of a preceding argument or statement. Often found in formal writing.

  • She had not studied enough; therefore, she didn't pass the exam.
  • The project was poorly managed; therefore, it failed.
consequently

Used to describe an outcome or effect of a particular action or situation. Typically used in formal and academic settings.

  • The team did not prepare adequately; consequently, they lost the match.
  • He missed his train; consequently, he was late for the meeting.
hence

Used to explain something by relating it to a previous statement. Often seen in formal or academic texts.

  • The weather was cold and wet; hence, the hike was postponed.
  • She was the most qualified candidate; hence, she got the job.
thus

Used to indicate a logical conclusion or result, often in formal writing. Can sometimes sound old-fashioned or overly formal in casual speech.

  • The company did not adapt to market changes; thus, it went bankrupt.
  • He didn't have the necessary qualifications; thus, he was not eligible for the promotion.
so

Commonly used in everyday conversation to indicate a result or conclusion. Informal and versatile.

  • I was tired, so I went to bed early.
  • It was raining, so we stayed indoors.

Examples of usage

  • Therefore, it must be true.
  • She was busy and therefore could not join us.
  • His father was ill and therefore he had to cancel the trip.
Context #2 | Adverb

in formal writing

In consequence of that; as a result

Synonyms

as a result, because of that, due to this.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
therefore

Use 'therefore' to show a logical conclusion or result that follows from something previously stated.

  • She has always been an excellent student; therefore, she received a scholarship.
  • It was raining heavily; therefore, the event was canceled.
as a result

Use 'as a result' to show the outcome or consequence of a specific action or situation.

  • He didn't study for the exam; as a result, he failed.
  • The company increased its marketing efforts; as a result, sales went up.
because of that

Use 'because of that' to indicate a direct consequence of a previously mentioned fact or situation. It often implies causation.

  • She missed the bus; because of that, she was late for work.
  • He forgot to save his work; because of that, he had to start all over again.
due to this

Use 'due to this' to explain the reason behind a particular outcome. This phrase often follows a specific explanation.

  • The project was poorly planned; due to this, it failed to meet its deadline.
  • There were several misunderstandings; due to this, the meeting turned unproductive.

Examples of usage

  • He was injured and therefore unable to play.

Translations

Translations of the word "therefore" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น portanto

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‡เคธเคฒเคฟเค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช deshalb

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ oleh karena itu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะพะผัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dlatego

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ—ใŸใŒใฃใฆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท donc

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ por lo tanto

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bu yรผzden

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ทธ๋Ÿฌ๋ฏ€๋กœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ุฐู„ูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ proto

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ preto

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ› ๆญค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ torej

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพess vegna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะพะฝะดั‹า›ั‚ะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ›แƒ˜แƒขแƒแƒ›

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ona gรถrษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ por lo tanto

Etymology

The word 'therefore' originated from the Old English word 'รพวฃrfore', which was a combination of 'รพวฃr' (there) and 'fore' (before). Over time, it evolved into the modern term 'therefore' with the same general meaning of indicating a conclusion or consequence. The usage of 'therefore' can be traced back to Middle English and has remained a common adverb in English language usage.

See also: there, thereafter, thereby.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #255, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.