theretofore

adverb

there·​to·​fore ˈt͟her-tə-ˌfȯr 

ˌt͟her-tə-ˈfȯr

: up to that time

a theretofore unknown author

Synonyms

• heretofore
• hitherto
• yet

Examples of theretofore in a Sentence

theretofore the couple hadn't given much thought to marriage, but the unplanned pregnancy changed everything

Recent Examples on the Web

The reaction to the release of All Quiet on the Western Front in Germany marked an early Hollywood encounter with the pathological race hatred of a theretofore unknown political party. —Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Sep. 2022

While deal volume in July and August still trends slower, recent years have enjoyed more robust markets during this period than theretofore. —Frederick Peters, Forbes, 5 July 2022

There weren’t many bright colors, but some theretofore unnoticed textural quirks—on clothes, on faces—went wild with deep, scrutinizing, photographic detail. —Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 20 Dec. 2021

My confidence had reached a height theretofore unseen. —Shannon Driskill, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2021

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

theretofore

adverb

there·​to·​fore ˈt͟hart-ə-ˌfō(ə)r 

ˈt͟hert-,

-ˌfȯ(ə)r

: up to that time

noticed the theretofore undetected mistake