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Wherewith: meaning, definitions and examples

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wherewith

 

[ ˈwɛərwɪð ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

means, ways

Wherewith is an archaic term that refers to the means or resources by which something is achieved or accomplished. It is often used in a legal, literary, or formal context. While its usage has declined in modern English, it implies a sense of reference to tools or methods. The term can be used to question the means available for an action as well as to express how something is done.

Synonyms

means, method, way

Examples of usage

  • Wherewith shall I pay for this?
  • I do not know wherewith to begin my task.
  • They had the resources, but wherewith to act was unclear.

Translations

Translations of the word "wherewith" in other languages:

🇵🇹 com o qual

🇮🇳 जिससे

🇩🇪 womit

🇮🇩 dengan mana

🇺🇦 з яким

🇵🇱 z którym

🇯🇵 どのようにして

🇫🇷 avec quoi

🇪🇸 con qué

🇹🇷 ile neyle

🇰🇷 어떻게

🇸🇦 بماذا

🇨🇿 s čím

🇸🇰 s ktorým

🇨🇳 用什么

🇸🇮 s katerim

🇮🇸 með hvaða

🇰🇿 қандай

🇬🇪 რომელით

🇦🇿 hansı ilə

🇲🇽 con qué

Etymology

The word 'wherewith' dates back to Middle English, combining 'where' and 'with'. Its components trace further back to Old English 'hwær' (where) and 'wið' (with). Although it has roots in Germanic languages, the specific usage in English developed with a focus on context, denoting the idea of means or methods. Its prominence peaked during the late medieval and early modern periods, particularly in legal documents and literature. However, by the 19th century, its usage started to decline as simpler forms of expression became preferred in everyday language. Despite its rarity in contemporary texts, 'wherewith' is sometimes still found in poetic or formal rhetoric, retaining a vintage charm that implies complexity and depth of expression.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,298, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.