Whither Meaning in English
word
ˈhwɪðɝ/, /ˈwɪðɝ
HWITH-er, WITH-er
wˈɪðɐ
WITH-uh
Definition
An old-fashioned or literary word meaning 'to what place' or 'where to.' Often used in classic poetry or literature.
Usage & Nuances
Very formal, archaic, or poetic; rarely used in modern speech or writing. Typically appears in literature, religious texts, or rhetorical questions ('Whither goest thou?'). Do not use in everyday conversation—modern 'where' or 'to where' is preferred.
Spanish: adóndePortuguese (BR): aondePortuguese (PT): aondeChinese (Simplified): 到哪里 (古语)Chinese (Traditional): 到哪裡 (古語)Hindi: किधर (पुराना उपयोग)Arabic: إلى أين (قديم)Bengali: কোথায় - কোথায় (পুরান/সাহিত্যিক)Russian: кудаJapanese: いずこへ - いずこにVietnamese: đi đâu - về đâuKorean: 어디로Turkish: nereyeUrdu: کہاں (قدیم/ادبی)Indonesian: ke mana (puitis)
Example Sentences
Whither are you going, my friend?
basic
The hero wondered, 'Whither shall I travel next?'
basic
She asked, 'Whither leads this road?'
basic
Whither thou goest, I will go.
natural
The king declared, 'Whither this nation moves, so do we.'
natural
In stories of old, one often hears, 'Whither goest thou?'
natural