Meaning & Definition of word "Whence"
to
Whence
/hwɛns/
adverb:
- 1. From what place or source.
- Example: He returned to whence he came, leaving no trace behind.
- 2. From which place.
- Example: They traveled to the valley, whence a river flows down to the sea.
- 3. From what origin.
- Example: The ancient manuscript revealed insights into whence their knowledge had originated.
- 4. As a reference to a source of information.
- Example: The studies were conducted by researchers, whence the findings were published.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English 'hwanne' + 'ce', from where; akin to Old Norse 'hvænn' and Gothic 'hwas'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
Whence cometh:
From where does it come.
Whence you came:
From where you originated.
Related Words
hence:
From this time; for this reason.
thence:
From that place; from there.