Ergo

/ˈɛɚɡoʊ/ adv, conj, noun, slang

adv, conj, noun, slang ·Moderate ·High school level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: Clipping of ergometer (rowing machine).
  • Grammar: ergo is listed as adv, conj, noun, slang.
  • Nearest alternatives: accordingly, because of that, because of this, consequently.
  • Useful contrasts: however, instead, nevertheless.
  • Usage evidence: In the past, women have been barred from combat roles in the military, ergo, their opportunities for promotion have been somewhat limited.

How to use "ergo"

  1. Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
  2. Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ergo" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
  3. Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.

Meaning check

  • Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
  • Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
  • Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
  • Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?

Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "ergo" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "ergo" as the right word for your sentence.

If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "ergo" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.

Compare nearby meanings

  • Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
  • Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
  • Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
  • Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.

Definition decision workflow

1. Identify the role

Check whether "ergo" is acting as adv, conj, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.

2. Test the nearest option

Compare it with "accordingly" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.

3. Confirm with context

Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.

Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.

Final meaning check

Before publishing a sentence with "ergo", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.

When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Clipping of ergometer (rowing machine). abbreviation, alt-of, clipping, slang
  2. 2
    An ergonomic factor or characteristic. informal

    "I just love the ergos on this knife. It just feels great and carries so well."

Adverb
  1. 1
    Consequently, therefore, or thus. not-comparable

    ""I merely made an individual application of a general rule. All women love flattery—ergo, Miss Arundel liked it.""

Adverb
  1. 1
    (used as a sentence connector) therefore or consequently wordnet
Conjunction
  1. 1
    therefore (especially in syllogisms)

Synonyms

All synonyms
accordinglybecause of thatbecause of thisconsequentlyconsequentlyfor that

Example

"In the past, women have been barred from combat roles in the military, ergo, their opportunities for promotion have been somewhat limited."

Common questions

What does "ergo" mean?

Clipping of ergometer (rowing machine).

What is a synonym for "ergo"?

Common synonyms include: accordingly, because of that, because of this, consequently, consequently, for that.

How do you use "ergo" in a sentence?

In the past, women have been barred from combat roles in the military, ergo, their opportunities for promotion have been somewhat limited.

How do you pronounce "ergo"?

Pronounced /ˈɛɚɡoʊ/.

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English ergo, from Latin ergō.

Etymology 2

Clipping of ergonomic.

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