Adhuc

Adhuc is a Latin adverb meaning still, yet, up to now, or even. It denotes the persistence or continuity of a state or action and is commonly used to contrast with a previous clause or to emphasize that something has continued.

Etymology and usage context: The form is attested from classical to ecclesiastical Latin. It is typically analyzed as a compound of ad- “to, toward” and huc “here,” giving the sense of reaching to this point. While most grammars treat adhuc as a separate particle, its precise historical development is debated. In usage, adhuc can appear at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or after the verb. It frequently appears in negative constructions to express “not yet” (adhuc non venit, he has not come yet) as well as in positive statements to stress ongoing action (adhuc venit, he still comes).

Examples and scope: In Latin prose and poetry, adhuc is versatile and common across authors from Cicero to Vergil and into medieval and Ecclesiastical Latin. It functions as a signal of persistence: Adhuc sumus in aetate nimis tremenda. Adhuc non est perfecta pax. In translation, English renders it as “still,” “yet,” or “up to now.”

Relation to other particles: Adhuc is often contrasted with iam, which can indicate a transition to a new stage. While iam sometimes signals “now,” adhuc retains the sense of continuation.

See also: Latin adverbs of time; iam; non iam.