wherefore
WAIR-for
/ˈwerfɔːr/
For what reason; why.
It is not a question of 'where' something is, but 'why' something is happening.
The story behind the word. Formed from 'where' (in the sense of 'which') and 'for'. It literally means 'for which [reason]'.
Word relationships
- why: 'Why' is the direct modern equivalent.
Commonly confused with
- where: 'Where' asks for location; 'wherefore' asks for reason.
Collocations
- wherefore art thou
- the why and the wherefore
Idioms & expressions
- the whys and wherefores
Example sentences
- "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" Juliet's famous question to Romeo.
Memory hook
Wherefore = Why-for. Wherefore = Why.
When not to use
Almost everyone will think you are asking 'where' if you use this in conversation.
Fun facts
- Juliet isn't asking where Romeo is; she's asking why he has to be a Montague (her family's enemy).
Explore more words
pretext, questioning, justification, rationale, inquiry, foresee
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