Hither

Part of Speech

Adverb

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈhɪð.ər/
• Phonetic: "HITH-er"

Definitions

1. To this place; toward this location.
2. (Archaic) In this direction or to this point.

Usage Examples

• "Come hither, and let me see what you have found."
• "The soldiers were called hither by the sound of the trumpet."

Etymology

Derived from Old English "hider," meaning "to this place." Related to the German "hierher" and Dutch "hierheen." Used frequently in Middle English and Shakespearean literature.

Synonyms

• Here
• This way
• To this place
• Toward here

Antonyms

• Thither
• Away
• Yonder

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈhɪð.ər/ ("HITH-er")
• American English: /ˈhɪð.ɚ/ ("HITH-er")

Historical Usage

The word "hither" was commonly used in Old and Middle English, especially in literary and poetic works. It appears frequently in Shakespeare's plays and other early modern English texts.

Cultural Nuances

In modern English, "hither" is considered archaic or poetic. It is often used for stylistic effect in literature, fantasy works, and historical dramas.

More Information

Though largely obsolete in everyday speech, "hither" survives in expressions such as "hither and thither" (meaning back and forth). It remains a notable word in literary and historical contexts.