therefore
//ˈðɛə.fɔː//
formalDefinitions
1.Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.
- He blushes; therefore he is innocent.
- I have married a wife, and therefore I can not come.
- I've been explicitly forbidden to leave and therefore must stay longer.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #1085
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Common
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
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.