Hitherward is a word that means "in the direction of here" or "toward this place". It is spelled with the letters h-i-t-h-e-r-w-a-r-d and pronounced /ˈhɪðərwərd/. The "h" and "i" signify the initial "hith," while the "er" is a connecting sound to "ward". The "th" is pronounced as an unvoiced dental fricative, like in the word "thin". The final "ward" is pronounced as a diphthong, with a long "e" sound followed by an "or" sound.
Towards this place.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "hitherward" is derived from the combination of two Old English words: "hider" and "weard".
"Hider" means "to this place" or "towards here", while "weard" means "direction" or "toward". When these two words are combined, it creates "hitherward", which essentially means "towards this place" or "in this direction".
Over time, the word has become less commonly used, but it can still be found in poetic or literary contexts.