wherewithal
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Pronunciation [edit]
- (UK) IPA: /ˌwɛə.wɪˈðl/, /ˈwɛə.wɪ.ðɔːl/
- (US) IPA: /ˈwɛɹ.wɪ.ðɔl/, /ˈwɛɹ.wɪ.θɔl/
- (cot–caught merger) IPA: /ˈwɛɹ.wɪ.ðɑl/, /ˈwɛɹ.wɪ.θɑl/
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Audio (US) (file)
Noun [edit]
wherewithal (countable and uncountable; plural wherewithals)
- The ability and means required to accomplish some task.
- I would like to help your project, but I do not have the wherewithal.
- 2011 December 15, Felicity Cloake, “How to cook the perfect nut roast”, Guardian:
- Christmas queen Mary Berry's aubergine five-nut roast, from her Christmas Collection, is, as the name suggests, rather more focused on the nut side of things. Breadcrumbs play second fiddle to a medley of almonds, Brazils, chestnuts, pine nuts and pistachios which, although tangy with lemon juice and garlic, is outrageously dense. A single slice of this could leave you supine in front of the Queen's speech without even the wherewithal to reach for the remote control.
- 1986, David Leavitt, The Lost Language of Cranes, Penguin, paperback edition, page 67:
- "I just can't imagine," Philip said, "having that kind of self-knowledge, that kind of...wherewithal at fifteen.[...]"
Translations [edit]
the ability and means to accomplish some task
Adverb [edit]
wherewithal (not comparable)
- (archaic) In what way; how.
- 1662, Book of Common Prayer, Psalm 119:9,
- Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
- 1662, Book of Common Prayer, Psalm 119:9,
