Words / B2

thair-BEYE/ˌðeəˈbaɪ/

Thereby means “by doing that” — it points back to the action you just named: she practised daily, thereby improving her score. Thus and in that way are cousins; so is everyday. Thereby is a written, slightly formal adverb; it rarely starts a spoken sentence. Do not confuse it with therefore (for that reason), which marks a conclusion, not a method.

Meaning

By that means; as a result of that action.

Examples

• “She practised daily, thereby improving her score.”
• “He saved the file to the cloud, thereby avoiding a second loss.”
• “The law banned the chemical, thereby protecting the river.”

Good to know

thereby + -ing. Written/formal. Contrast: therefore = for that reason. Everyday: in that way.

Near in meaning

thus

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