(prep.) In front of; preceding in space; ahead of; as, to stand before the fire; before the house.
(prep.) Preceding in time; earlier than; previously to; anterior to the time when; -- sometimes with the additional idea of purpose; in order that.
(prep.) An advance of; farther onward, in place or time.
(prep.) Prior or preceding in dignity, order, rank, right, or worth; rather than.
(prep.) In presence or sight of; face to face with; facing.
(prep.) Under the cognizance or jurisdiction of.
(prep.) Open for; free of access to; in the power of.
(adv.) On the fore part; in front, or in the direction of the front; -- opposed to in the rear.
(adv.) In advance.
(adv.) In time past; previously; already.
(adv.) Earlier; sooner than; until then.
Example Sentences:
Theretofore
Definition:
(adv.) Up to that time; before then; -- correlative with heretofore.
Example Sentences:
(1) Pseudomonas putrefaciens should theretofore be retained as a single species and characteristics for identifying the various groups within the species are listed.
(2) Generally speaking, the news media don't lament the theretofore bright futures of young men (or women) convicted of other violent crimes, such as the killing of girlfriends or executing down-on-their-luck job-hunters .