therefore

adverb

there·fore | \ ˈt͟her-ˌfȯr

Definition of therefore

1a : for that reason : consequently

b : because of that

c : on that ground

2 : to that end

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about therefore

Keep scrolling for more

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

There are therefore really six key characters in Spider. — Jonathan Holland, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Spider' ('Araña'): Film Review | TIFF 2019," 7 Sep. 2019 Nevada can institute this primary-like measure because the state does not of hold the first presidential nominating contest, and therefore doesn't threaten New Hampshire's status as the first formal primary. — Eleanor Watson, CBS News, "Democrats formally scrap proposed "virtual caucus" plans," 6 Sep. 2019 The missionaries knew the language, understood the culture, were familiar with the needs and conditions on the ground, and could therefore disseminate aid quickly and efficiently. — Heather D. Curtis, The Conversation, "How American Christian media promoted charity abroad," 3 Sep. 2019 The Torah, therefore, comes forth offering a law that protects the tree. — Rabbi Avi Weiss, sun-sentinel.com, "Each one of us is like the tree of the field," 3 Sep. 2019 Seeing Waller-Bridge do Fleabag this one final time, therefore, carries potent bragging rights. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, "The Nostalgic End of Fleabag," 30 Aug. 2019 Many researchers have suggested that the internet fuels white nationalist violence and therefore suppression of these online communities is necessary. — Joe Sexton, ProPublica, "He Spent Years Infiltrating White Supremacist Groups. Here’s What He Has to Say About What’s Going on Now.," 30 Aug. 2019 In addition to helping maintain the stratum corneum (and therefore keep skin looking healthy and functioning well), there’s some evidence that EFAs can reduce the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. — A.a. Newton, SELF, "Do You Really Need to Put Fatty Acids on Your Face?," 28 Aug. 2019 The first company therefore can pay you a lower salary because of that differential. — Matt Darling, Quartz at Work, "Ready to destroy a longstanding argument against raising the minimum wage?," 28 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'therefore.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for therefore

therefore

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of therefore

somewhat formal : for that reason : because of that

See the full definition for therefore in the English Language Learners Dictionary

therefore

adverb

there·fore | \ ˈt͟her-ˌfȯr

Kids Definition of therefore

: for that reason She is sick and therefore will be absent.

Keep scrolling for more

therefore

Definition of therefore

Synonyms for therefore

Examples of therefore in a Sentence

First Known Use of therefore

English Language Learners Definition of therefore

Kids Definition of therefore

therefore

Definition of therefore

Synonyms for therefore

Examples of therefore in a Sentence

First Known Use of therefore

English Language Learners Definition of therefore

Kids Definition of therefore

WORD OF THE DAY