“Thus Far” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 17, 2024 by Liam Daniel

This reference discusses the idiom “thus far” and provides useful information about its meaning, examples, and alternative expressions. You will learn what this idiom means, its origin, and how to use it in conversations. Additionally, there is a section dedicated to visual representation, helping you grasp the concept more easily.

“Thus Far” Meaning, Origin and Usage

  • The phrase “thus far” means “up to this point” or “so far.” It is used to refer to a period of time leading up to the present moment, indicating the extent of progress, development, or occurrence in a particular situation. It can imply that there may be more to come or that further developments are expected.
Thus Far
Thus Far – Created by 7ESL

“Thus Far” Meaning

The phrase “thus far” means “up to this point” or “so far.” It is often used to refer to the progress or status of something until the present moment. It can be applied in various contexts, including discussions, reports, or narratives.

Examples:

  • “The project has gone smoothly thus far, with no major issues.”
  • “Thus far, we have raised over $5,000 for the charity.”

Origin of This Idiomatic Expression

The idiom “thus far” is can be used interchangeably with the idiom “so far” as in the phrases “thus far, so good” or “so far, so good.” Thus is simply an alternate word meaning the same as the word so, which is defined as up to this point in time. The first usage of the phrase “thus far” was seen in 1599 in the play Henry V written by Shakespeare. It has been used in conversation since.

Usage of “Thus Far”

  • In a progress report:

“The project has been successful thus far, meeting all the deadlines and budget requirements.”

  • Talking about personal achievements:

“Thus far, I have completed three courses toward my degree and plan to finish the program next year.”

  • During a presentation:

“Thus far, our research has shown promising results, but further analysis is needed.”

  • In a reflective context:

“I have enjoyed my travels thus far, experiencing many different cultures along the way.”

Related Terms to “Thus Far”

Here are some related terms and phrases to “thus far” that convey similar meanings of progress or status up to the present moment:

  • So far – indicating up to this point in time.
  • Up to now – referring to the current moment or up to the present time.
  • Until now – denoting the period leading up to the present.
  • To this point – referring to the current status or stage of something.
  • As of now – indicating the present moment or current situation.
  • At this stage – referring to the current phase or level of progress.
  • For the time being – indicating a temporary state up to the present.
  • Currently – referring to the present time.
  • At this juncture – indicating the current point in a process or discussion.
  • Thus far and no further – emphasizing a limit reached up to the present.

Other Ways to Say “Thus Far”

All idioms have a literal translation and, thus, have a literal way they can be stated. Other ways to say “thus far” are up until this point in time, up until now or currently.

List of “Thus Far” synonyms:

  • So far
  • Till date
  • Till now
  • Until now
  • Up to now
  • Hitherto
  • Heretofore
  • Up till now
  • Till
  • Henceforth
  • To date
  • Thenceforth
  • Since that time
  • Thereafter
  • To this day
  • Until this time

“Thus Far”  Examples

Examples in Statements

A news reporter doing a television report on the pending hurricane out at sea.

  • “Thus far, the winds have remained calm, but that is expected to change overnight as the storm makes its way onshore.”

A coach motivating his team in the locker room.

  • “Thus far, you guys have been looking great! Let’s keep it up in the second half and win this game!”

Examples in Conversation

Two co-workers talking at work.

  • Co-worker 1: I don’t know how I feel about this new project we are working on.
  • Co-worker 2: Really?! Thus far, I think it is going well.

Two friends talking about a book.

  • Friend 1: Hey, did you start reading that new book you bought the other day?
  • Friend 2: Yes!
  • Friend 1: Well, how is it?
  • Friend 2: I’ve only read up to Chapter 5, but thus far it is excellent!

Other examples:

  • Thus far, 11 people have died, and thousands are homeless.
  • There is, thus far, no global plan apparent which we would regard as logical and satisfying.
  • His policy thus far has been to do nothing but not to acknowledge the inaction.
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