Wherefore Meaning in English
word
wɛɹˈfɔɹ
wair-FOR
wˈeəfɔː
WAIR-faw
Definition
An old-fashioned or literary word meaning 'why' or 'for what reason.' Most famously used in Shakespeare's phrase 'Wherefore art thou Romeo?' meaning 'Why are you Romeo?'.
Usage & Nuances
Rare and formal; today only used in literary or historical contexts. Often confused with 'where' but 'wherefore' actually means 'why.' Most recognized from Shakespeare; avoid in modern everyday speech.
Spanish: por qué - motivoPortuguese (BR): por que - razãoPortuguese (PT): por que - razãoChinese (Simplified): 为何 - 理由Chinese (Traditional): 為何 - 理由Hindi: क्यों - कारणArabic: لِماذا - سببBengali: কেন - কেন জন্যRussian: зачем - по какой причинеJapanese: なぜ - どうしてVietnamese: tại sao - vì lý do gìKorean: 왜 - 무슨 이유로Turkish: neden - hangi sebepleUrdu: کیوں - کس وجہ سےIndonesian: mengapa - untuk alasan apa
Example Sentences
Wherefore are you upset?
basic
He asked wherefore she had left early.
basic
The reason and the wherefore were unclear.
basic
'Wherefore art thou Romeo?' she whispered, quoting Shakespeare.
natural
In old books, you may find words like 'wherefore' that aren't used today.
natural
Scholars debated the wherefore of his decision for hours.
natural