hereby

Hereby is an adverb used to indicate that something is accomplished, enacted, or declared by means of this document or action. It attaches effect to the present document, event, or pronouncement, typically in formal or legal contexts. For example: "I hereby appoint John Smith as director," or "This agreement hereby becomes binding upon signature." In statutory and contractual drafting, hereby often accompanies provisions that confer authority, make formal certifications, or enact obligations at the moment of execution.

Origin and usage: The word comes from the combination of here meaning "in this place" and by meaning "by means of" or "through." It dates to Middle English and has long appeared in ceremonial and legal discourse. Over time, its use has been characterized as formal or archaic in everyday English.

Typical contrasts: Hereby differs from hereinafter (after this document), herein (in this document), hereof (of this document), hereafter (from now on). It is usually not used to describe events beyond the scope of the present document, but to signify the action that results from it.

Contemporary usage: In modern plain language, many writers avoid hereby in favor of direct or simpler phrasing, especially outside legal or official contexts. However, in contracts, officers' certificates, and official notices, hereby remains standard and understood.