What does therewith mean?
Therewith is a formal or literary adverb meaning “with that” or “along with it.” It points back to something already mentioned, usually in legal, scholarly, or ceremonial prose: a letter can enclose documents “herewith,” or a clause can explain what is “included therewith.” Because its reference depends on earlier context, “therewith” is not usually used in general conversation, where “with this,” “along with this,” or “including it” is clearer. Its old-fashioned register gives it a distinctly formal tone, but it remains useful when precision and backward reference matter. The word is especially familiar from contracts, notices, and traditional publishing language. Though uncommon in modern everyday English, it is precise rather than obscure in meaning, and recognizing it can make formal texts easier to understand. It belongs to a family of “there-” compounds, including “therein,” “thereof,” and “thereafter,” all of which similarly refer back to a previously mentioned context.
adverbWith that thing or in accompaniment of it; with it.
- With, accompanying, or in addition to the thing previously mentioned.
"The necessary documents are enclosed herewith for your review."
"The committee accepted the proposal, together with the amendments proposed therewith."
"A copy of the original agreement is attached herewith for the record."
A compound built from two Old English words, “therewith” does the tidiest possible job: “with that.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does therewith come from?
Therewith is an English compound formed from “there” and “with,” combining the ideas of “that” and “together with.” Both elements are Germanic in origin: “there” continues Old English þær, while “with” continues Old English wiþ, an Old English preposition meaning “beside” or “against.” The compound became established in English with the meaning now expressed more simply as “with that” or “with it.”
How therewith is actually used
Chiefly formal, literary, legal, or ceremonial. It is uncommon in everyday conversation, where “with this” or “along with this” is more natural.
Easily confused with therewith
Thereby means “by that means” or “as a result,” whereas therewith means “with or accompanying the thing already mentioned.”