English Online Dictionary. What means therefore? What does therefore mean?
English
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.
Compare Saterland Frisian deerfoar, Dutch daarvoor, German dafür, Danish and Norwegian derfor, Swedish därför.
Pronunciation
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈðɛə.fɔː/
- (General American) enPR: thârʹfôr, IPA(key): /ˈðɛɚ.fɔɹ/
- (obsolete) IPA(key): /ˈðɜːɹˌfɔːɹ/
- Rhymes: -ɛə(ɹ)fɔː(ɹ)
- Hyphenation: there‧fore
Adverb
therefore (not comparable)
- (conjunctive) Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.
- (conjunctive, archaic) for that; for it (in reference to a previous statement)
Synonyms
- (for that purpose): so, thus, to that end, to this end
- (consequently): hence, then, thus, accordingly, as a result, thereby, eo ipso, ∴ (math); See also Thesaurus:therefore
Derived terms
- I think therefore I am