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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web The court also ruled that Wu gathered a crowd to engage in lewd activities and was the ringleader, therefore his behavior constituted the crime of group licentiousness. Patrick Frater, Variety, 25 Nov. 2023 For history itself is destroyed and its comprehensibility--based on the fact that it is enacted by men and therefore can be understood by men--is in danger, whenever facts are no longer held to be part and parcel of the past and present world and are misused to prove this or that opinion. Rich Lowry, National Review, 23 Nov. 2023 Typically, brands are added to the list for issuing pro-Israel statements or because of the idea that earnings are taxed and therefore fund U.S. weapons sent to bolster Israel’s arsenal. Mohamad El Chamaa, Washington Post, 23 Nov. 2023 The Gen5 may therefore be the better option for older people or those with more limited hand mobility. Chuong Nguyen, Ars Technica, 23 Nov. 2023 The nature of rules and their enforcement therefore differ between institutions and over time. Martin Daunton, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2023 The brain used neurons to learn; therefore, complex learning through neural networks must be possible. Joshua Rothman, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023 For now, the Milky Way is a spiral, with arms that are the main nurseries for stars (and therefore planets). WIRED, 12 Nov. 2023 Warmer temperatures have enabled better ripening of Britain’s grapes and therefore, better qualities of wine. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 12 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'therefore.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near therefore

Cite this Entry

“Therefore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/therefore. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

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!