hitherto

[ hith-er-too ]

adverb

1. up to this time; until now:

   a fact hitherto unknown.

2. to here.

hitherto

/ ˈhɪðəˈtuː /

adverb

1. until this time

   hitherto, there have been no problems

2. archaic.
   to this place or point

adjective

1. until this time

   a hitherto unoccupied house

Word History and Origins

Origin of hitherto¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English hiderto; hither, to

Example Sentences

He wrote this summer in Current Opinion in Gastroenterology that the syndrome “may not be as rare as thought hitherto.”

From Salon

Spain’s 16th century conquest of Mexico created a huge and profitable European market for the rich pigment, hitherto unknown on that continent.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet a few games this year are embracing accessibility, carving a niche from the bones of a hitherto unwelcoming landscape.

From New York Times

When Rishi Sunak walked into the room, a hitherto blank screen flashed with a multi-coloured line chart pointing downwards with the words "Inflation. Halved".

From BBC

Bella is back in London and is to marry Max, and her ex-husband Alfie, hitherto unknown, turns up at the wedding to claim her.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• already
• formerly
• heretofore
• long ago
• once
• then