hereinbefore

hereinbefore — adverb

1. earlier in this same legal document, pointing back to terms or descriptions alre

1.adverbC2
Definition

earlier in this same legal document, pointing back to terms or descriptions already set out on a previous page — used especially in contracts, deeds, and wills.

Example

The warranty terms hereinbefore stated remain in force for three full years.

hereinbefore + stated: post-modifier in legal clause

As hereinbefore recited, the seller transfers title to the buyer free of liens.

as + hereinbefore + recited: introductory clause pattern

Common collocations
  • described hereinbefore
  • stated hereinbefore
  • defined hereinbefore
  • set forth hereinbefore
  • contained hereinbefore
  • mentioned hereinbefore
  • referred to hereinbefore
Synonyms
  • above

    the standard everyday equivalent, used in all registers and media

  • supra

    also formal, but used in academic citations rather than in the body of contracts

  • previously

    broader meaning covering time as well as document position

Antonyms
  • hereinafter

    the precise opposite — 'in a later part of this document'

Grammar Patterns

[noun/past participle] + hereinbefore

as + hereinbefore + past participle

Usage Note

Appears only in formal legal instruments — contracts, wills, deeds, and statutes. In everyday writing, 'above' or 'earlier' is the natural choice. Typically follows the noun or past participle it modifies (e.g., 'the terms hereinbefore'). Often paired with 'hereinafter' for symmetric forward/backward reference within the same document.

Common Mistakes

As I said hereinbefore, the meeting starts at noon.
As I said earlier, the meeting starts at noon.
'hereinbefore' is never used in speech; it only appears in formal legal documents.
The hereinbefore email explained the process.
The email above explained the process.
'hereinbefore' does not refer to previous emails or messages; it only refers within a single formal legal document.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

These four words all direct the reader to another part of a text, but they differ in direction, register, and precision. 'Above' is the everyday choice for any written medium — you can say 'see above' in an email or a textbook. 'Previously' is broader, covering both time and document position ('as previously agreed in our meeting'). 'Hereinafter' is 'hereinbefore''s mirror image — it points forward rather than backward within the same document. 'Supra' is used in academic and legal citations to mean 'cited above' (e.g., 'see supra note 3'), but it rarely appears in the body of a contract the way 'hereinbefore' does. In everyday writing, 'above' replaces all of these easily. In formal legal drafting, 'hereinbefore' and 'hereinafter' survive because they eliminate ambiguity about whether you mean 'earlier in this same document' or just 'earlier in time.'

above ↗previously ↗hereinafter ↗supra ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • as hereinbefore [verb-ed]

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

A compound of 'herein' (in this document) + 'before' (preceding in position). Emerged in Middle English legal drafting, where compound adverbs using 'here-' (meaning 'in this document') and 'there-' (meaning 'in that document') were coined to make precise cross-references within legal instruments. 'Hereinbefore' has been part of English legal vocabulary since at least the 15th century.

First known use

1687

1687, in the meaning defined above