theretofore
Americanadverb
adverb
Etymology
Origin of theretofore
First recorded in 1300–50, theretofore is from Middle English ther tofore. See there, heretofore
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Moreover, Adams and other historians say, the case pushed a theretofore ambivalent Lincoln toward an anti-slavery stance.
From Washington Times • Feb. 14, 2021
It was the Japanese idea that objects — vases, dishware, vanity boxes and other items theretofore considered strictly utilitarian — were themselves art.
From New York Times • Feb. 11, 2021
When my car turned the last switchback into the valley toward Area 51, the car radio, theretofore static, suddenly started blasting Smetana’s Má Vlast in eerie, crystal-perfect sound.
From The Guardian • Sep. 24, 2019
Two years ago, in a ludicrous and unhealthy experiment leading up to Super Bowl 50, I watched and ranked every Super Bowl that had theretofore been played.
From Slate • Feb. 5, 2018
It marked, in a word, the introduction of continental elaborations and refinements and luxuries into a land where, theretofore, austerity had been the ruling influence.
From The Charm of Ireland by Stevenson, Burton Egbert
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
