# therefore

> English word · Adverb · IPA /ˈðɛə.fɔː/ · frequency rank #1,440

## Definitions
1. Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.
2. 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 derfor, Swedish därför.

## Easily confused with
- **therefor** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/therefor-vs-therefore)
- **there're** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/there-re-vs-therefore)

## Common misspellings (13)
`hterefore`, `tehrefore`, `theerfore`, `thereffore`, `therefoer`, `thereforre`, `therefroe`, `thereofre`, `therfeore`, `therrefore`, `thherefore`, `threefore`, `ttherefore`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/therefore