Definitions
- Referring to something that has happened up until now. - Describing a situation or event that has occurred until the present moment. - Talking about a state of affairs that has existed up to this point in time.
- Referring to something that has happened before a specific point in time. - Describing an event or situation that occurred at an earlier time. - Talking about a state of affairs that existed before a particular moment in time.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to events or situations that occurred before a specific point in time.
- 2Both words are used to describe a state of affairs that existed before a particular moment.
- 3Both words are adverbs that modify verbs.
What is the difference?
- 1Time frame: Hitherto refers to events or situations that have occurred up until now, while previously refers to events or situations that occurred before a specific point in time.
- 2Usage: Hitherto is more formal and less commonly used than previously, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
- 3Connotation: Hitherto implies a sense of continuity or ongoingness, while previously implies a sense of pastness or completion.
- 4Frequency: Previously is more commonly used than hitherto in everyday language.
- 5Position: Hitherto is typically used at the beginning of a sentence, while previously can be used at the beginning or middle of a sentence.
Remember this!
Hitherto and previously are synonyms that both refer to events or situations that occurred before a specific point in time. However, hitherto specifically refers to events or situations that have occurred up until now, while previously refers to events or situations that occurred before a particular moment. Additionally, hitherto is more formal and less commonly used than previously, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.