Whence

/hwɛns/

Meaning & Definition

adverb

From what place or source.

He returned to whence he came, leaving no trace behind.

From which place.

They traveled to the valley, whence a river flows down to the sea.

From what origin.

The ancient manuscript revealed insights into whence their knowledge had originated.

As a reference to a source of information.

The studies were conducted by researchers, whence the findings were published.

Middle English, from Old English 'hwanne' + 'ce', from where; akin to Old Norse 'hvænn' and Gothic 'hwas'.

Whence cometh

From where does it come.

Whence you came

From where you originated.

hence

From this time; for this reason.

thence

From that place; from there.