hither
HITH-er
/ˈhɪðər/
To this place.
Implies movement toward the speaker.
The story behind the word. From the Proto-Indo-European demonstrative 'ki-' (this). It has been part of English since its Germanic beginnings.
Word relationships
- here: 'Here' is static; 'hither' implies movement to here.
- thither: 'Thither' means 'to that place' (away from the speaker).
Collocations
- hither and thither
- come hither
Idioms & expressions
- hither and thither
Example sentences
- "Come hither, my child, and listen to the stories of old." A command to come closer.
Memory hook
Hither = Here-to. Hither = To here.
When not to use
Sounds very theatrical; use 'here' instead.
Fun facts
- A 'come-hither look' is a modern idiom for a flirtatious or inviting glance.
Related words
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