What does therefrom mean?
Therefrom is a formal English adverb with two related meanings. In its literal sense, it means “from that place,” “from that source,” or “from that origin,” as in a statement about water flowing from a particular location or conclusions drawn from a document. In its more common figurative use, it means “therefore” or “as a consequence,” especially in formal and legal writing. The word belongs primarily to written English and can sound deliberately traditional or archaic in conversation. It is useful when a writer wants to connect a conclusion or consequence directly to the thing just mentioned without repeating a noun. Although many simpler expressions can replace it, therefrom offers a precise and ceremonious alternative to phrases such as “from that” and “as a result.” Its compound structure makes its meaning relatively transparent once the two elements are recognized.
adverbFrom that place, source, or origin; consequently, as a result.
- From that place, source, or origin.
- Consequently; as a result.
"The committee reviewed the evidence and drew conclusions therefrom."
"Water flows therefrom into the lower fields."
"The new evidence was examined and important conclusions were drawn therefrom."
Therefrom can do double duty in a sentence: it may mean “from that place” and, figuratively, “as a result.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does therefrom come from?
Therefrom is a compound of “there” and “from.” “There” descends from Old English þær, meaning “at or in that place,” while “from” descends from Old English fram, meaning “from” or “beginning with.” The combined word belongs to the established English family of compounds such as “thereby” and “therefore,” with the consequence sense developing naturally from its directional sense.
How therefrom is actually used
Chiefly formal, literary, or legal. It is less common in everyday speech, where “from it,” “from that,” or “therefore” is usually preferred. The place or source sense is relatively uncommon compared with the consequential sense.
Easily confused with therefrom
Therefrom can mean “from that place or source,” whereas therefor means “therefore” or “as a consequence.”