Definitions
- Used to describe something that has happened up until now. - Referring to a situation or condition that existed before the present moment. - Talking about a state of affairs that has been ongoing but may change in the future.
- Describing a previous position, title, or status that is no longer held. - Referring to a past time or era that is no longer current. - Talking about a previous name, identity, or affiliation that has changed.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to a past time or situation.
- 2Both words are used to describe something that is no longer current.
- 3Both words are adverbs that modify verbs or adjectives.
What is the difference?
- 1Time frame: Hitherto refers to something that has been ongoing up until now, while formerly refers to something that was true in the past but is no longer true.
- 2Usage: Hitherto is more commonly used in formal or academic writing, while formerly is more commonly used in everyday language.
- 3Meaning: Hitherto emphasizes continuity and ongoingness, while formerly emphasizes change and transition.
- 4Connotation: Hitherto can imply a sense of anticipation or expectation for what may come next, while formerly can imply a sense of nostalgia or reminiscence for what has passed.
Remember this!
Hitherto and formerly are both adverbs that refer to a past time or situation. However, hitherto emphasizes continuity and ongoingness up until the present moment, while formerly emphasizes change and transition from a previous state to a current one. Additionally, hitherto is more formal and academic, while formerly is more commonly used in everyday language.
