What does hereinafter mean?
Hereinafter is a formal adverb meaning “from this point onward.” Its most characteristic use is in contracts, statutes, policies, and other documents, where it introduces a definition or qualification that applies to the rest of the text. For example, a clause might refer to an organization as “the Provider” hereinafter, meaning that the shortened term may be used later in the document. The word can also mean “from now on,” although this sense is more commonly expressed as henceforth or hereafter. Its tone is distinctly professional and legal rather than conversational, so it is usually unsuitable in casual speech. What makes hereinafter especially useful is its precision within written documents: it fixes the relevant point of reference without requiring the reader to infer a time frame from the surrounding context. It thus functions both as a temporal expression and as a formal linking term.
adverbFrom this point onward; especially in legal or formal writing, in the remainder of a document or from this point in the text.
- From this point onward, especially within the remainder of a document or statement.
"The corporation, hereinafter referred to as the Company, will maintain its registered office at the address stated above."
"The corporation, hereinafter referred to as the Company, will maintain its registered office at the address stated above."
"Prices quoted before 1 January are exclusive of tax; hereinafter, all prices will include tax."
In a contract, hereinafter is a legal shortcut for: “From this point on, remember what I just defined.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hereinafter come from?
Hereinafter is an English compound built from here and after. Here descends from Old English hēr, while after descends from Old English æfter; both elements were available for compounding in English. The compound became especially established in legal and formal prose, and related formations such as hereafter, hereby, herein, and hereto share its English components.
How hereinafter is actually used
Formal and especially associated with legal, contractual, and administrative writing. Its documentary sense is more characteristic than in everyday speech, where “henceforth” or “from now on” is usually preferred.
Easily confused with hereinafter
“Hereafter” normally means from now on or in the future, while “hereinafter” usually means from this point onward in a document.