heretofore

adverb

here·​to·​fore ˈhir-tə-ˌfȯr How to pronounce heretofore (audio)
ˌhir-tə-ˈfȯr
: up to this time : hitherto
heretofore unimaginable possibilities
I tell you now what we have heretofore kept secret from youA. C. Whitehead

Examples of heretofore in a Sentence

Heretofore her writing has never displayed such depth of feeling. This technology has created heretofore unimaginable possibilities.
Recent Examples on the Web To supply power to Calistoga during PSPS events, PG&E has heretofore carted in huge, high carbon-footprint diesel generators and installed them at a local dog park in the center of town. Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 But after the safety against the Browns, Donald did something heretofore not seen: Donald, arm around Turner’s shoulder, skipped out of the end zone. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2023 But Lee’s words can also be deployed as a plea and call to action for writers, casting directors, producers and studio executives that might be interested in drawing out the untapped potential of performers who have heretofore been placed in a box, limited and unable to express their full humanity. Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2024 The first of its kind, the Sphere represents the apex of 2023’s defining concert experience: Watching your favorite musicians in real life, as projected—and sometimes distorted—through a heretofore unimaginable use of screens. Julianne Escobedo Shepherd, Pitchfork, 13 Dec. 2023 The idea that, having been pregnant and given birth, mothers have access to heretofore untapped wells of empathy is a strong societal assumption, and one that comes to the fore at times of war. Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2023 The ultimate outcome of the ruling, however, would be to second-guess Congress’s heretofore broad authority on how federal agencies can be funded. Matt Ford, The New Republic, 3 Oct. 2023 This year’s best documentary feature Oscar race, which heretofore seemed unusually wide open, now has a frontrunner. Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Sep. 2023 The economic data China has released heretofore has likely been doctored. The Editors, National Review, 17 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heretofore.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heretofore was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near heretofore

Cite this Entry

“Heretofore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heretofore. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

heretofore

adverb
here·​to·​fore ˈhi(ə)rt-ə-ˌfō(ə)r How to pronounce heretofore (audio)
-ˌfȯ(ə)r;
ˌhirt-ə-ˈfō(ə)r,
-ˈfȯ(ə)r
: up to this time

More from Merriam-Webster on heretofore

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