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.
The reenactment, therefore, would be held 35 miles up the coast, in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025 While Ross was prolific, his paintings were intended for teaching instead of selling, and therefore rarely go on the market. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025 Financial compatibility is a necessity, but a partner who arranges things and therefore shows effort is vital. Essence, 8 Oct. 2025 The three Israeli sources say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet have known for months that Hamas does not know the whereabouts of some of the deceased hostages and may therefore be unable to meet that demand. Ami Kaufman, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Therefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/therefore. Accessed 9 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!