Wherefore

/ˈwɛər.fɔːr/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The reason or cause for something.

The wherefore of his actions was revealed in the final chapter of the book.

The origin or rationale behind a particular situation.

She sought to understand the wherefore of the committee's decision.

adverb

For what reason or purpose.

She asked wherefore he had decided to leave so abruptly.

An archaic term often found in literary texts, used to inquire about the reason behind an action.

The question remains, wherefore do we pursue such goals when they seem unattainable?

Middle English, from where + fore.

wherefore art thou

why are you; it is a famous phrase from Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'.

wherefore the delay

why is there a delay; questioning the reason for a hold-up.

wherefore goest thou

why are you going; an inquiry about one's destination.

why

for what reason or purpose.

therefore

for that reason; consequently.

whereas

in contrast or comparison with the fact that.

A formal way to ask why.

In his speech, he used 'wherefore' to sound more poetic.

An old-fashioned term used humorously in modern contexts.

She dramatically exclaimed, 'Wherefore must we endure this?' during the meeting.