wherefore

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Adverb 1.2.1 Usage notes 1.2.2 See also 1.3 Conjunction 1.3.1 Translations 1.4 Noun

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

• enPR: wâ(r)'fô(r)", IPA: /ˈweə(r)ˌfɔː(r)/, SAMPA: /"we@(r)%fO:(r)/
• enPR: hwâ(r)'fô(r)", IPA: /ˈʍeə(r)ˌfɔː(r)/, SAMPA: /"We@(r)%fO:(r)/

[edit] Adverb

wherefore (not comparable)

1. (archaic) Why, for what reason, because of what.
   • "Job", Holy Bible King James Version, 21:7:

     Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?

   • 1595, William Shakespeare, romeo and Juliet

     Romeo, O Romeo. Wherefore art thou, Romeo?

[edit] Usage notes

• Compare: therefore

A common misconception is that "wherefore" means "where"; it has even been used in that sense in cartoon depictions of Romeo and Juliet. In Romeo and Juliet, the context of "Wherefore art thou, Romeo?" is not "Where are you, Romeo?", as is depicted. Rather, it is "Why is your name Romeo?" or "Why do you exist as Romeo?".

[edit] See also

• Category:English pronominal adverbs

[edit] Conjunction

wherefore

1. (archaic) Because of which.

   Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:
   Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. (Isaiah 30:12-13)

[edit] Translations

[edit] Noun

wherefore (plural wherefores)

1. An intent or purpose.
   • , Richard Bausch, Good evening Mr. & Mrs. America, and all the ships at sea, page 72:

     They want their money without reference to the hows and wherefores.