1. before that time; up to that point
Usage: formal; literary

Examples

• The company had been profitable, but theretofore unknown problems began to surface.
• She had lived a quiet life theretofore, never seeking public attention.
• The treaty established new boundaries that had theretofore been disputed.
• His behavior was exemplary, but theretofore hidden tensions finally erupted.
• The technology was primitive compared to what had theretofore been available.
• The region had theretofore remained largely unexplored by scientists.