
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.
交通渋滞の故に会議に遅刻しました。
I was late to the meeting because of traffic congestion.
それゆえに私は反対の立場を取った。
Therefore, I took the opposing position.