WordGarden.iotherefrom
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ðeəfrˈɒm/
US
Meanings
Adverb
from that thing, place, source, or circumstance
Beyond the definition
"Therefrom" is a formal, slightly old-fashioned adverb meaning "from that" or "from there." Think of it as a precise way to say that something comes from a place, thing, or situation already mentioned. It mostly appears in legal writing, older books, and technical texts where careful reference matters. Imagine a detective opening a hidden safe; any papers taken therefrom would be important to the case. It can also link a result to its source, as in "The benefits derived therefrom were immense," meaning the benefits came directly from the thing mentioned earlier.
"Therefrom" is an adverb that essentially functions as a shorthand for "from that place" or "resulting from that situation." While it might sound a bit archaic—as if it stepped straight out of a Victorian law office—understanding it helps clarify formal texts. It serves as a linguistic bridge, pointing back to a mentioned source to show exactly what originated or followed from it.
In legal settings, you will often see it used to define scope: "All liabilities arising therefrom are the responsibility of the contractor." This indicates that any problems resulting from that specific work or agreement are covered. It can also describe a physical source; for instance, a writer might describe a mountain spring, noting that "the stream flowing therefrom provides water for the village," meaning the water comes from that mountain source.
While rare in casual conversation, "therefrom" is still prized in technical and formal writing for its ability to eliminate ambiguity. It allows a writer to point back to a specific entity or event without repeating its name. When you encounter it, simply replace it in your mind with "from that" to unlock the meaning. It is a tool of clarity, helping the reader trace a direct line from a cause to its effect or from a location to its contents.
Examples
- 1
Formal finance
The company sold the property and used the money earned therefrom to pay its debts.
- Usage
therefrom is very formal and mostly used in legal, official, or old-fashioned writing
- 2
Arbitration clause
Any disputes arising therefrom shall be settled by arbitration.
- Phrasearising therefrom
caused by that, or connected to it
- 3
Risk analysis
The report lists several weaknesses in the plan and the risks that may result therefrom.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- therefromadverb