therefore

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.

adv

1. (conjunctive) Consequently, by or in consequence of that or this cause; referring to something previously stated.
   Traditional values will always have a place. Therefore, they will never lose relevance.
   Je pense, donc je suis (I think, therefore I am) 1637, René Descartes, Discourse on the Method
   Creating a complete map of the human connectome would therefore be a monumental milestone but not the end of the journey to understanding how our brains work. 2012 March-April, Terrence J. Sejnowski, “Well-connected Brains”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, page 171
   He blushes; therefore he is innocent. 1753, The Spectator, number 642
2. (conjunctive, archaic) for that; for it (in reference to a previous statement)