A compound of there and by; the older idea was “by that means.”
A compound of there and by; the older idea was “by that means.”
What does thereby mean?
It means by that means, or as a result of that action.
Is thereby formal?
Yes. It is common in academic, legal and other formal writing.
Can thereby precede an -ing verb?
Yes: “reduce waste, thereby saving money.”
How is thereby different from therefore?
Thereby points to the means by which a result happens; therefore introduces a conclusion.
Where does thereby come from?
It combines the English words there and by.