hitherto

UK: ˌhɪðəˈtuː | US: ˌhɪðərˈtuː

Definition

  1. adv. until now or until a particular time

  2. adv. up to this point in time or events

Structure
hither <to this place>to <toward>
Etymology

hitherto = hither<to this place> + to<toward>

  • hither: From Old English hider, meaning "to this place." Derived from Proto-Germanic hēr (here) + comparative suffix -der.
  • to: From Old English tō, a preposition meaning "toward" or "in the direction of."

Etymology Origin:
The word "hitherto" combines "hither" (archaic for "to this place") and "to," forming an adverb meaning "up to this time." Originally, it implied spatial movement ("to here") but evolved to denote temporal progression ("until now"). The shift reflects how English often repurposes directional language for abstract concepts.

Examples

  1. The technology had hitherto been unavailable to the public.

  2. Hitherto, his contributions went unnoticed.

  3. She had hitherto avoided any serious conflicts.

  4. This species was hitherto unknown to science.

  5. Hitherto, the project had progressed smoothly.