Wherefore: meaning, definitions and examples
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wherefore
[ˈwɛrˌfɔr ]
Definition
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 'Wherefore' comes from Middle English, stemming from the Old English phrase 'hwærfor', meaning 'for what reason.'
- The word is a combination of 'where' and 'for', indicating it’s about location in a metaphorical sense of reasoning.
- It has been used in English literature since the 14th century, showcasing its historical roots.
Literature
- The word is famously used in Shakespeare's play 'Romeo and Juliet', where Juliet asks, 'O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?' indicating she questions why Romeo belongs to a rival family.
- Throughout English literature, 'wherefore' often appears in poetic and dramatic contexts, lending an air of formality to dialogues.
- Its use has significantly decreased in modern writing, making it sound antiquated when used today.
Linguistics
- 'Wherefore' is a form of an interrogative word that invites deeper thinking about motivations behind actions.
- It has parallels in other languages, such as 'por qué' in Spanish, which also means 'for what reason.'
- The popularity of 'wherefore' peaked during the Renaissance period, reflecting the era's focus on philosophical inquiry and rhetoric.
Philosophy
- Questions of 'wherefore' often lead to discussions about causality and intention, central themes in philosophical debates.
- The concept of existentialism relates to the word when pondering life's reasons and purposes.
- In moral philosophy, 'wherefore' could prompt inquiries into ethical behavior and the reasons behind our choices.
Pop Culture
- 'Wherefore' has been referenced in various adaptations of 'Romeo and Juliet', ranging from films to modern retellings.
- The phrase 'wherefore art thou' has entered popular culture, often humorously misused in modern expressions.
- It symbolizes antiquated forms of speech, often evoking nostalgia for historical storytelling and drama.
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