hereof
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈiərɒf/
US
- /hɪrˈʌv/not-comparableadverb
Description
- of this
- of the thing mentioned
- belonging to this document
"Hereof" is a formal, old-fashioned word that means "of this" or "of the thing just mentioned." It points back to the document, agreement, or subject already being discussed. You will mostly see it in legal contracts, official papers, and older writing where exact wording matters. For example, instead of saying "the terms of this agreement," a writer might say "the terms hereof." People do not usually use it in everyday speech, but knowing it can help you understand formal documents and fine print.
"Hereof" is a very formal word meaning "of this" or "of the thing mentioned here." It points back to the document, section, or subject already being discussed, and it helps the writer avoid repeating the same phrase again and again. You will rarely hear it in modern conversation, but it still appears often in legal writing, official documents, and older texts where exact wording matters.
You can think of "hereof" as a small bridge inside a sentence. Instead of repeating "of this agreement" or "of this document," the writer can simply use "hereof." In that way, it works as a compact formal substitute for "of this thing" or "of this document." The word comes from older English and has survived mainly in fixed legal and official style.
You will typically see "hereof" following nouns like "terms," "provisions," "interpretation," or "parties." For example:
"The terms and conditions hereof are binding upon both parties." (meaning the terms and conditions of this document*) "Any amendments to the provisions hereof must be made in writing." (meaning changes to the provisions of this agreement*) "The validity and interpretation hereof shall be governed by local law." (meaning the validity and interpretation of this specific document or agreement*)
Although it may sound old-fashioned, "hereof" still serves a clear purpose: it creates a short, formal link back to the very document or subject being discussed. If you meet it in a contract or notice, you can usually read it as "of this" and understand the sentence more easily.
Examples
- 1
Legal date
This certificate is effective as of the date hereof.
Phrase
the date hereof
the date of this document
- 2
Confidentiality clause
The parties hereof agree to keep all financial information confidential.
- 3
Signature formula
In witness whereof, the parties have signed this agreement below.
Phrase
In witness whereof
a formal legal phrase used before signatures
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- hereofadverb