wherefore

[ˈwɛːfɔː]

wherefore Definition

• 1. for what reason or purpose
• 2. as a result of which

Using wherefore: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wherefore" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  Wherefore did you do that?

• Example

  He was injured, wherefore he could not play.

• Example

  She was late, wherefore we missed the train.

wherefore Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wherefore

• why
• therefore
• consequently

Phrases with wherefore

• wherefore art thou

  a phrase from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, meaning 'why are you' or 'where are you'

  Example

  Wherefore art thou Romeo?

• wherefore and why

  an expression used to indicate confusion or lack of understanding about something

  Example

  I don't know wherefore and why she left the party so early.

• wherefore withal

  an archaic phrase meaning 'with what'

  Example

  Wherefore withal shall we be clothed?

Origins of wherefore

from Old English 'hwǣrfore', meaning 'for what (reason)'

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Summary: wherefore in Brief

The term 'wherefore' [ˈwɛːfɔː] means 'for what reason or purpose' or 'as a result of which.' It is used as an adverb or conjunction in sentences such as 'Wherefore did you do that?' or 'He was injured, wherefore he could not play.' The phrase 'wherefore art thou' is famous from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and 'wherefore and why' is an expression indicating confusion.