therefore
Translation
therefore, consequently, hence
Examples
He was busy, therefore he could not come.
He was busy, therefore he could not come.
She studied hard and therefore passed the exam.
She studied hard and therefore passed the exam.
Grammar Patterns
((Clause 1)), therefore, ((Clause 2)) for that reason; consequently He was busy, therefore he could not come.
Similar Words
Synonyms: consequently, hence, thus, so
Etymology
From Old English 'þærfor', meaning 'for that'. It combines 'there' + 'for', literally meaning 'for that reason'.
Memory Tips
Think of it as connecting a cause (the previous statement) to an effect. 'There' is the reason, and 'for' that reason, this happened.