wherefore
[
hwair
-fawr, -fohr,
wair
-]
/ˈʰwɛərˌfɔr, -ˌfoʊr, ˈwɛər-/
adverb
1.
Archaic.
for
what? why?
2.
for
that cause or reason:
Wherefore let us be grateful.
noun
3.
the cause or reason:
to study the whys and wherefores of a situation.
Origin
1150-1200;
Middle English;
see
where
,
for
Can be confused
where
,
wherefore
(see usage note at
where
)
Synonyms
2.
See
therefore
.
Examples from the web for
wherefore
wherefore
it is ever the aim of the sagacious journalist to foster that sense of personal participation.
wherefore
, the present time is the true time for establishing it.
wherefore
, it is requested that the court review the motion to compel, response and reply and rule on the issues set forth above.
wherefore
, he cannot do some things for the very reason that he is omnipotent.
British Dictionary definitions for
wherefore
wherefore
/
ˈwɛəˌfɔː
/
noun
1.
(
usually pl
) an explanation or reason (esp in the phrase
the whys and wherefores
)
adverb
2.
(
archaic
) for what reason? why?
sentence connector
3.
(
archaic or formal
) for which reason: used as an introductory word in legal preambles
Word Origin and History for
wherefore
adv.
c.1200,
hwarfore
, from
where
+
for
. Cf. Dutch
waarvoor
, Old Norse
hvar fyrir
, Swedish
varfor
.
Idioms and Phrases with
wherefore
wherefore
see:
whys and wherefores