ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hereby

adv.
US //hɪɹˈbaɪ// UK //hˈiəbaɪ// here·by
  1. 1 by means of this document (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Academic Law

    you use this in formal writing to show that the statement you are making is official and starts now.

    By means of this act, document, or statement. This is a performative adverb typically found in legal, diplomatic, or highly formal administrative registers.

    Example

    I hereby declare that all the information in this application is true.

    Example

    The undersigned parties hereby agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this contract, effective immediately upon the date of signing.

    Usage

    Usually placed immediately before the main verb in a formal declaration.

    Teacher's tip

    This word is almost never used in spoken English unless someone is making a very serious, official announcement. Advise students to save it for formal letters or contracts.

Origin

From here + by.

Word family

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