theretofore

[ thair-tuh-fawr, -fohr ]

adverb

1. before or until that time.

theretofore

/ ˌðɛətʊˈfɔː /

adverb

1. formal.
   before that time; previous to that

Word History and Origins

Origin of theretofore¹

First recorded in 1300–50, theretofore is from Middle English ther tofore. See there, heretofore

Example Sentences

It's why a number of commentators who had theretofore said Benghazi was nothing was now something.

From The Daily Beast

Did you attempt to compare it with the questioned items which you had, theretofore, identified?

From Project Gutenberg

He prepared his ships and munitions of war, and sailing westward came to a country theretofore unknown.

From Project Gutenberg

Each discovery destroys in whole or part some theretofore cherished belief.

From Project Gutenberg

He was also allowed to revise and readjust the accounts theretofore settled under the Corporation Tax Law.

From Project Gutenberg

The stone was said to be spodumene, of a very high class, and had a a lilac tint theretofore unknown.

From Project Gutenberg