Hitherto

Adverb

Definition: Until now or until the point in time under discussion.

Synonyms: So far, Thus far, Up until now

Antonyms: From now on, Henceforth

Examples:

Hitherto, I had never been to Europe.
These results are the best hitherto achieved.

Mnemonics:

Think of the phrase "up until now" to remember the meaning of hitherto.
Hitherto can be broken down into "hither" (meaning "here") and "to", indicating something happening up until this point.

Etymology:

Origin:

Hitherto is derived from the Middle English phrase "hider to," which combines "hider" (meaning "hither") and "to." It has a combination of Germanic and Old English roots.

Historical Usage:

Hitherto has been used in the English language since the 14th century to indicate something that was the case until a specified or implied point in time.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Up to hitherto"

Explanation:

This phrase emphasizes that something has been the case until now, without specifying the exact point in time.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Hitherto is often wrongly used interchangeably with "henceforth" or "from now on."

Explanation:

Hitherto specifically refers to the period of time leading up to the present, while "henceforth" or "from now on" refers to future events or actions.