henceforth
HENTS-forth
/ˌhensˈfɔːrθ/
From this time on; starting now and continuing into the future.
Implies a permanent change or a new rule being established.
The story behind the word. A compound of 'hence' (from this place/time) and 'forth' (forward). It emerged in Middle English to provide a more precise temporal marker.
Word relationships
- hereafter: 'Hereafter' often refers to life after death, whereas 'henceforth' is strictly about time in this life.
- heretofore: 'Heretofore' refers to everything before now; 'henceforth' refers to everything after now.
Commonly confused with
- hence: 'Hence' can mean 'therefore' or 'from here,' while 'henceforth' specifically means 'from this time forward'.
Word family
- henceforward (adverb): A synonym for henceforth.
Collocations
- shall henceforth be
- henceforth known as
Example sentences
- "Henceforth, the two companies shall operate as a single entity under the new name." A formal declaration of a change in status.
Memory hook
Hence (from here) + Forth (forward). Henceforth = From here forward.
When not to use
Slightly too stiff for casual conversation with friends.
Fun facts
- It is a favorite word in legal contracts to define terms that will be used repeatedly.
Related words
Explore more words
forthcoming, irrevocable, precede, watershed, perpetual, cessation
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