therefore

[th air-fawr, -fohr] /ˈðɛərˌfɔr, -ˌfoʊr/

adverb

in consequence of that; as a result; consequently:

I think; therefore I am.

Origin

1125-75; Middle English ther(e)fore, variant of therfor therefor

Can be confused

therefor, therefore (see synonym study at the current entry)

Synonyms

hence, whence. Therefore, wherefore, accordingly, consequently, so, then all introduce a statement resulting from, or caused by, what immediately precedes. Therefore (for this or that reason) and wherefore (for which reason) imply exactness of reasoning; they are especially used in logic, law, mathematics, etc., and in a formal style of speaking or writing. Accordingly (in conformity with the preceding) and consequently (as a result, or sequence, or effect of the preceding), although also somewhat formal, occur mainly in less technical contexts. So (because the preceding is true or this being the case) and then (since the preceding is true) are informal or conversational in tone.

Examples from the web for therefore

The result of his trial, therefore, could hardly have been other than a foregone conclusion.
therefore, the pattern of oceanic winds should matter a lot to their survival, especially during breeding season.
Red oak is known to be a more porous wood and therefore more likely to leak.
Marine biologists say that giant squid therefore can act as an indicator of deep-sea pollution.
therefore they will typically only have a bag or two to last them the entire night.
therefore, vulnerable people should make specific changes in their diet.
The latter cannot, therefore, depend upon the former.
Environmentalists, therefore, have missed a huge opportunity.
The big difference is in using electricity to control the speed of the piston, and therefore control the timing and efficiency.
Because of the distance, the smoke is cool when it hits the food and therefore doesn't cook it.

British Dictionary definitions for therefore

therefore

/ˈðɛəˌfɔː/

sentence connector

thus; hence: used to mark an inference on the speaker's part: those people have their umbrellas up: therefore, it must be raining

consequently; as a result: they heard the warning on the radio and therefore took another route

Word Origin and History for therefore

adv.

Old English þærfore; from there + fore, Old English and Middle English collateral form of for. Since c.1800, therefor has been used in sense of "for that, by reason of that;" and therefore in sense of "in consequence of that."