[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/forthwith/)

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# forthwith

adverb (forthwith) — formal

«forthwith» in the English dictionary: everyday and Early Modern English — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

(formal) Forthwith means immediately, at once, without delay. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forthwith/#m1)

### In the lessons

Used in very formal notices, laws, old stories and official letters: "You must leave forthwith." In everyday talk say "right now" or "at once". Phrases: with effect forthwith, leave forthwith.

### Examples

- The king ordered the thief to be taken to prison forthwith. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forthwith/#x1)
- The rule applies forthwith. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forthwith/#x2)
- You are to report to the head teacher forthwith. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forthwith/#x3)
- The judge said the dog must be returned forthwith. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forthwith/#x4)
- Payment is due forthwith. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forthwith/#x5)
- The guards left the castle forthwith. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forthwith/#x6)
- Ivan began playing on his fife, and forthwith they all fell a-dancing. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forthwith/#x7)

### Note

Old-fashioned and formal; one word. It never changes form. Do not confuse with "forth" (forward) or "forthcoming" (coming soon).

## Early Modern English

### Meaning

immediately, without any delay. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/emode/F/forthwith/#m1)

### Then and now

An old word, mostly found in formal writing today; we say at once.

### Examples

- Ivan began playing on his fife, and forthwith they all fell a-dancing. (Cossack Fairy Tales and Folk Tales) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/emode/F/forthwith/#x1)
- Forthwith the other Cock came out of his corner and ruled the roost without a rival. (Aesop's Fables; a new translation) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/emode/F/forthwith/#x2)
- He was thankful enough to use his remaining wish to a more humble purpose, and forthwith relieved his wife of her encumbrance. (The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/emode/F/forthwith/#x3)

### Note

Today: at once.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «forthwith» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/F/forthwith/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«forthwith» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/forthwith.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «forthwith» in the Early Modern English dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/emode/F/forthwith/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«forthwith» in the Early Modern English dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/emode/w/forthwith.html) on Mova free.