Hitherto

/ˌhɪðərˈtuː/

Meaning & Definition

adverb
Up to this time; until now.
The technology had hitherto been unknown to the general public.
At this point in time; prior to this time.
Hitherto, there had been no evidence to support the claims.
So far; until now.
The results of the experiment were hitherto inconclusive.
Previously; before this time.
The research focused on species that were hitherto unstudied.

Etymology

From Middle English hither to, literally meaning 'to this place'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

hitherto unknown
Referring to something that has not been known until now.
hitherto unmentioned
Referring to something that has not been mentioned until this moment.

Related Words

hither
To or towards this place.
heretofore
Before this time; previously.