What does thereupon mean?
Thereupon is a formal English adverb meaning “immediately after that,” especially when the preceding statement has established an event, decision, or point in a narrative. Its force lies in precision: rather than leaving the sequence vaguely open, it marks the next action as following at once. The word often appears in literary narration, historical writing, reports, and legal language, where it gives the prose a measured, consequential rhythm. A sentence such as “The treaty was signed, and thereupon the ambassadors embraced” shows its characteristic use: the second clause begins immediately after the first event. In conversation, however, “then” or “after that” will usually sound more natural. Thereupon can suggest that an event is both immediate and closely connected to what precedes, but it is not simply a synonym for “therefore”; its primary meaning concerns time rather than causation. The word survives in modern English chiefly because formal prose benefits from its concise, elevated sound.
adverbImmediately after that, or at that point in the narrative. It can also signal that an event follows directly from what has just been mentioned.
- Immediately after that, or at that point in the narrative.
"The minister sat down, and thereupon the chancellor rose to reply."
"The treaty was signed, and thereupon the ambassadors embraced."
"The court granted the motion; thereupon, the parties withdrew to their chambers."
Thereupon is the narrative equivalent of turning the page: what comes next happens immediately.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does thereupon come from?
Thereupon was formed in Middle English by combining the demonstrative there with upon. Upon descends from Old English uppon, meaning “up on” or “against,” while there developed from Old English þær. The compound came to mean “at that time” or “immediately after that” and survives chiefly in formal and literary usage.
How thereupon is actually used
Chiefly formal or literary, though it also appears in legal and historical prose. It gives a sequence a brisk, consequential rhythm; in ordinary conversation, “then” or “after that” is usually more natural.
Easily confused with thereupon
Thereupon means immediately after that, whereas thereby means as a result of that or by that means.
Thereupon refers to the timing of a subsequent event, while therefor means therefore or consequently.