OpenEtymology

herewith

UKˌhɪəˈwɪðUSˌhɪrˈwɪð

Meaning

1adv

used in formal writing to say that a document is being sent together with the letter or message you are writing.

Structure

word structure
1
here
+
2
with
together with

Usage

please find the contract enclosed herewith.

i hereby submit my report and append the supporting data herewith.

the certificate is sent herewith for your records.

Etymology

the word "herewith" is a transparent compound formed from two old english elements that have remained remarkably stable in form and core meaning. "here" derives from the proto-germanic hē₂r, meaning "in this place," while "with" originates from proto-germanic wiþra-, meaning "against" or "opposite," which evolved in english to also signify association or accompaniment. the fusion of these two native words created an adverb that literally means "with this" or "accompanying this document." its usage became formalized in legal and business correspondence, serving as a concise formula to indicate an enclosure or attachment, a function it retains in modern english formal writing.

Analysis

Structure
here + with=here+withtogether with

here: from old english "hēr" (in this place), of germanic origin. with: from old english "wīþ" (against, opposite, toward), of germanic origin. in this compound, it functions as a preposition meaning "together with" or "accompanying".

Herewith Etymology, Origin & Meaning | wordDNA