Latin today · Everyday English · Science & academia
Ergo
“therefore”
Latin word in modern English
Meaning
What does “Ergo” mean?
Ergo introduces a logical consequence. In everyday English it often sounds playful or mock-formal.
In real life
Where you meet it
In philosophy, debates, opinion writing and jokes.
Example
“Ergo” in a sentence
The shop was closed on Sunday; ergo, no cake.
Origin
Where the word comes from
Ergo is the ordinary Latin word for "therefore", best known from Descartes’ Cogito, ergo sum.
Pronunciation
How to say it
Usual EnglishUR-goh
Classical LatinER-go
Good to know
Common mistakes
- Don’t use ergo for a weak connection – it promises a real conclusion.
- It does not need "therefore" next to it: "ergo therefore" is doubled.
- Latin
- Ergo
- Literally
- therefore
- Used in
- Everyday English, Science & academia
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