Wherefore: meaning, definitions and examples
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wherefore
[ ˈwɛrˌfɔr ]
archaic usage
Wherefore is an archaic term meaning 'for what reason' or 'why'. It is often used in literary contexts, particularly in classical literature and plays. Most famously, it appears in Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', where Juliet asks Romeo, 'Wherefore art thou Romeo?' indicating her longing for him and questioning why he must belong to the family that is her family's enemy. The term is not commonly used in modern English, but it retains a poetic and dramatic significance.
Synonyms
for what reason, why
Examples of usage
- Wherefore dost thou weep?
- I pondered wherefore such events occurred.
- She wondered wherefore he had left.
- It is a question of wherefore we continue.
Translations
Translations of the word "wherefore" in other languages:
🇵🇹 por que
🇮🇳 क्यों
🇩🇪 warum
🇮🇩 mengapa
🇺🇦 чому
🇵🇱 dlaczego
🇯🇵 なぜ
🇫🇷 pourquoi
🇪🇸 por qué
🇹🇷 neden
🇰🇷 왜
🇸🇦 لماذا
🇨🇿 proč
🇸🇰 prečo
🇨🇳 为什么
🇸🇮 zakaj
🇮🇸 hvers vegna
🇰🇿 неліктен
🇬🇪 რატომ
🇦🇿 niyə
🇲🇽 por qué
Etymology
The word 'wherefore' originates from Middle English from the Old English 'hwārfor', which is a combination of 'hwār' meaning 'where' and 'for', the preposition. Its usage can be traced back to the English literary tradition, where it served as a rhetorical device to evoke deeper thought about causation and consequence. The term gained significant literary prominence through works of the Renaissance, especially within the plays of William Shakespeare. In modern usage, 'wherefore' has largely fallen out of favor, as English has shifted towards more straightforward forms of expression. It remains a notable example of the evolution of language, where archaic expressions may become references in literary analysis and performances, maintaining their relevance in discussions of literary heritage.