Thereby

Definition

Thereby means as a result of a particular action or event.

Parts of Speech

• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈðɛrˌbaɪ/
• Respelling: THERE-by (with "THERE" as in "there" and "by" as in "by")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈðɛəbaɪ/
• Respelling: THERE-by (similar to American English, with "THERE" as in "air" and "by" like in "by")

In both dialects, "thereby" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "THERE," followed by "by," which is pronounced the same as the standalone word "by." The main difference lies in the vowel sound of "THERE," which may be slightly more open in British English.

Etymology

The word "thereby" is derived from Middle English and is composed of two elements: "there" (from Old English "þǣr") and "by" (from Old English "bī"), signifying "by that means."

Derivatives

• Whereby
• Hereby
• Therewith
• Thereto
• Thereupon

Synonyms

• Hence
• Thus
• Consequently

Antonyms

• None

Usage

• "Thereby" is typically utilized to indicate the means or cause of an outcome. It provides a concise manner to connect an action or situation to its resultant effect.

Related Terms

• Therefore
• By means of
• As a result

Detailed Definition

Adverb

• By That Means: In virtue of that; as a result of that action or thing.
• Example: He forgot to set his alarm and thereby missed his morning meeting.

• In Relation to That: Concerning or with respect to that detail or point.
• Example: The document, thereby incorporated, forms an essential part of the agreement.