therefore
Pronunciation: /ˈðɛə.fɔː/
The English word “therefore” has 2 meanings listed here.
adverb
- Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.
- For that; for it (in reference to a previous statement).
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…
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Definitions are from Wiktionary, extracted by Kaikki.org, and are available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.