Definition

This word is used to indicate the result or consequence of something that has just been mentioned.

Example

She completed her degree, thereby improving her job prospects.

Conversation

I found a great restaurant downtown that serves amazing tacos.

Oh really? I love tacos!

Yeah, I went there last week and tried their spicy salsa, thereby making it my new favorite spot.

Sounds delicious! We should definitely go together sometime.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Thereby → It is formed from "there" (from Old English "þær", meaning at that place) and "by" (from Old English "bi", meaning near or beside). The word "thereby" means by that means or as a result of that action at that place.

Memory Tip

Think of 'there' as a specific place and 'by' as a way to indicate how something is done. This helps you remember that 'thereby' means as a result of something happening at that place.

Visually Confused Words