Hitherto Meaning and Definition
Hitherto
Pronunciation
/hɪˈθɛrtoʊ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A point or stage up to which something has reached; a boundary or limit; a precedent or standard.
Etymology
From Old English “þereto”, meaning “to that point”, from “þer” (there) and “to” (to) combined.
Usage Notes
Hitherto is often used to indicate the extent of something, such as a process, a period of time, or a level of achievement.
Cultural References
Hitherto appears in the title of a classic novel by Samuel Richardson, “Hitherto Unknown”, published in 1747.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- This far and no farther
- This point and no beyond
Related Words or Phrases
- Thus far
- Hithtil now
- So far
Collocations
- Up to hitherto
- At hitherto
- Hitherto seen
Frequency of Use
Hitherto is an infrequently used word, mostly found in formal or literary contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Gerbera
- Hithor
- Hitherst