THEREFORE

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does therefore mean? 

• THEREFORE (adverb)
  The adverb THEREFORE has 2 senses:

1. (used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

2. as a consequence

  Familiarity information: THEREFORE used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• THEREFORE (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

Synonyms:

hence; so; thence; therefore; thus

Context example:

the witness is biased and so cannot be trusted

Sense 2

Meaning:

As a consequence

Synonyms:

consequently; therefore

Context example:

he had good reason to be grateful for the opportunities which they had made available to him and which consequently led to the good position he now held

 Context examples 

Therefore be of much comfort till we return.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

People eat, therefore they must procure the wherewithal.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

But this one comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

She saw that money conferred power, money and power, therefore, she resolved to have, not to be used for herself alone, but for those whom she loved more than life.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

This was meat, the same as his mother gave him, only it was alive between his teeth and therefore better.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

Therefore, I thought I'd come back and say, that the sooner I am off the better.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Therefore, it had been put on during the night.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Therefore it must have been taken from it.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

In vanity, therefore, she gained but little; her chief profit was in wonder.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

The avenue, therefore, must be at the back of it.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)