henceforth

Henceforth is an adverb meaning from this time forward; from now on. It signals that something will apply or be true from the present moment onward, often in formal or ceremonial contexts.

The word derives from hence, meaning away from here, combined with forth. The construction appeared in Middle English and later entered Early Modern English, extending the spatial sense of hence into a temporal meaning.

Henceforth is relatively formal and literary, and is uncommon in casual speech. It often begins a clause or sentence, as in Consequently: Henceforth the rules shall apply, or Henceforth, no exceptions will be granted. It can occur at the start of a sentence, or after a verb, as in Henceforth all cases will be reviewed.

Variants and related terms: Henceforward is a less common variant that preserves the same temporal meaning. Hence is a related adverb meaning for this reason, not from this time onward. From now on is a modern paraphrase of henceforth.

See also: hence; henceforward; from now on.