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reason; cause; circumstances; grounds
because of; as a result of
「故」 has other readings with different meanings.
彼は病気ゆえに欠席せざるを得なかった。
He had no choice but to be absent due to illness.
病気の故に大会を欠席することになりました。
I had to miss the tournament due to illness.
それゆえに私は反対の立場を取った。
Therefore, I took the opposing position.