adv
hither
HIH-thuh
Hither (adv) means to this place; here (mainly literary or old-fashioned), especially in the phrase "hither and thither" (in various directions). Example: “Come hither, my friend.”
adv
1
To this place; here (mainly literary or old-fashioned), especially in the phrase "hither and thither" (in various directions).
"Come hither, my friend."
"People rushed hither and thither trying to find shelter from the storm."
How to use hither
Learner’s notes
When to use it
Archaic and literary; rarely used outside the fixed phrase "hither and thither" in modern English.
Common pairings
hither and thither
come hither
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- hithers
- Past tense
- hithered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Come _____, my friend.
Etymology
From Old English hider, from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to here."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for hither
See all rhymes for hither →Frequently asked questions
What does “hither” mean?
The word “hither” means to this place; here (mainly literary or old-fashioned), especially in the phrase "hither and thither" (in various directions).
How do you pronounce “hither”?
“Hither” is pronounced HIH-thuh (/ˈhɪðɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hither” in a sentence?
Here is “hither” used in a sentence: “Come hither, my friend.”
What is the opposite of “hither”?
The opposite of “hither” — its antonyms — is hence.
What part of speech is “hither”?
“Hither” is an adverb.
Where does the word “hither” come from?
The word “hither” comes from Old English. From Old English hider, from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to here.".
