Hence vs. Therefore
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 28, 2023
"Hence" means "from this time" or "for this reason," while "Therefore" strictly means "for that reason."
Key Differences
"Hence" has multiple meanings, including "from this time" or "from this place," but when used synonymously with "Therefore," it means "for this reason." It can suggest both causality and a future point in time. For example, "Spring has started; hence, flowers will bloom soon."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
"Therefore," on the other hand, strictly pertains to causality and means "for that reason." It strongly emphasizes the logical consequence of a premise. For instance, "He was late; therefore, he missed the meeting."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
The distinction becomes clearer in contexts outside causality. "Hence" can be used temporally or spatially, while "Therefore" is limited to drawing logical conclusions.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
When employed in logical arguments or mathematical proofs, both words emphasize the outcome or result of a given premise. Still, "Therefore" is more common and direct in its assertion of causality.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
"Hence" and "Therefore" are both used as transition words to indicate cause and effect in sentences, yet they carry subtle differences.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
"From this time" or "for this reason."
Strictly means "for that reason."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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Logical Consequence
Used to indicate cause and effect.
Directly and strongly indicates a logical consequence.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Common Usage
Varied but can be synonymous with "Therefore" in some cases.
Mostly confined to indicating causality.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Hence and Therefore Definitions
Therefore
For that reason.
The roads were icy; therefore, school was canceled.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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Hence
As a future event or consequence.
It's going to rain; hence, we should stay indoors.
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
Therefore
As an inference or deduction.
The evidence points to him; therefore, he must be the culprit.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Therefore
Consequently or as a result.
He missed the train; therefore, he will be late.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Hence
From this source
They grew up in the Sudan.
Hence their interest in Nubian art.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Therefore
In logical terms, because of a premise.
All men are mortal. Socrates is a man; therefore, Socrates is mortal.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
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Therefore
(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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Hence
(archaic) from here, from this place, away
I'm going hence, because you have insulted me.
Get thee hence, Satan!
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Therefore
For that or this reason, referring to something previously stated; for that.
I have married a wife, and therefore I can not come.
Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Hence
From the living or from this world
After a long battle, my poor daughter was taken hence.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Hence
(of a length of time) in the future from now
A year hence it will be forgotten.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Therefore
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result;
Therefore X must be true
The eggs were fresh and hence satisfactory
We were young and thence optimistic
It is late and thus we must go
The witness is biased and so cannot be trusted
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Hence
(conjunctive) as a result; therefore, for this reason
I shall go to Japan and hence will not be here in time for the party.
The purse is handmade and hence very expensive.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Therefore
As a consequence;
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
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Hence
(obsolete) Go away! Begone!
"...Hence! and bestow your dead
Where no wrong against him cries!"
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Therefore
To express a conclusion.
She was not feeling well; therefore, she took a day off.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Hence
From this place; away.
Arise, let us go hence.
I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Hence
From this reason; therefore; - as an inference or deduction.
Hence, perhaps, it is, that Solomon calls the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Hence
From this source or origin.
All other faces borrowed henceTheir light and grace.
Whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts?
An ancient author prophesied from hence.
Expelled from hence into a worldOf woe and sorrow.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Hence
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result;
Therefore X must be true
The eggs were fresh and hence satisfactory
We were young and thence optimistic
It is late and thus we must go
The witness is biased and so cannot be trusted
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022
Hence
For this reason.
The evidence was inconclusive; hence, he was acquitted.
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
Hence
From this time onward.
The store will close in an hour and will not reopen until Monday; hence, make your purchases now.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
FAQs
Is "Therefore" used in mathematical proofs?
Yes, it's often used to indicate the logical result of a premise.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is "Therefore" only about drawing conclusions?
Primarily, yes. It's about drawing a logical consequence or result.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Can "Hence" mean "in the future"?
Yes, as in "Hence, we should see improvements."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Which is more formal: "Hence" or "Therefore"?
Both can be formal, but "Therefore" is more direct in indicating causality.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Do "Henceforth" and "Hence" mean the same?
"Henceforth" specifically means "from this point forward," while "Hence" has varied meanings.
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
Can "Therefore" start a sentence?
Yes, especially when drawing a conclusion from a prior statement.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Is "Therefore" always about cause and effect?
Largely, yes. It emphasizes the effect based on a cause.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Can "Hence" and "Therefore" be used interchangeably?
In some contexts, yes, especially in indicating causality. But "Hence" has broader meanings.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
What's the primary difference between the two?
"Hence" has multiple meanings, including time and place, while "Therefore" is strictly about causality.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Which word is more versatile in meaning?
"Hence" has a broader range of meanings.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Can "Hence" be used in old literature to mean "from here"?
Yes, it's an older usage but valid.
Samantha Walker
Sep 28, 2023
Does "Hence" always look to the future?
Not always, but it can imply a future consequence or result.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Are there any synonyms for "Therefore"?
Yes, words like "thus," "consequently," and "hence" in certain contexts.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Is "Hence" often used in modern English?
It's used, but some of its meanings, like "from this place," are less common in contemporary English.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
