WordGarden.iohereto
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hiətˈuː/
US
Meanings
Adverb
to this document, matter, or thing
Beyond the definition
"Hereto" is a formal word used mostly in legal and official writing. It usually means "to this" or "to this document." You will not hear it in normal conversation, but you will often see it in contracts, leases, and formal agreements. For example, if a contract says "the parties hereto," it simply means "the people or companies signing this document." It helps make the reference clear, so the writer does not have to repeat the name of the document again and again.
"Hereto" is an adverb that means "to this document, matter, or subject." It belongs to a group of formal "here-" words, such as hereby, herein, and hereafter, where "here" points to the text or matter being discussed. Although it can, in older usage, mean "to this place," in modern English it is used mostly in legal and formal writing.
Think of it as a shortcut for formal reference. Instead of saying "attached to this contract," a lawyer may write "attached hereto." You will often see it in phrases like "the parties hereto," "the signatories hereto," or "the schedules attached hereto." In each case, it points back to the very document being read. It is often used with related words like "heretofore" (meaning up to this time) and "hereinafter" (meaning later in this document) to keep references exact inside formal text.
The word comes from "here" and "to," and although it can sound old-fashioned or stiff, it still has a practical job. It gives legal writing a very exact way to point back to the document itself or to something connected to it. When you see "hereto," think of it as a finger pointing straight at the paper in front of you and saying, "to this one."
Examples
- 1
Document signing
Please sign the agreement and return the copy attached hereto.
- Phraseattached hereto
attached to this document
- 2
Contract parties
The parties hereto agree to keep all financial information confidential.
- Phrasethe parties hereto
the people or companies in this contract
- 3
Appendix
Any appendix added hereto will become part of the agreement.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- heretoadverb