wherefore
Wherefore (adv) means For what reason; why (archaic). Example: “Wherefore art thou Romeo?”
How to use wherefore
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old-fashioned word for "why," most familiar from the phrase "whys and wherefores."
The famous Shakespeare line "wherefore art thou Romeo?" means "why are you Romeo" (i.e. why do you have to be a Montague), not "where are you."
Archaic — used today mostly for effect or in the fixed phrase "whys and wherefores."
Word forms
wherefores plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ art thou Romeo?
Etymology
From Middle English wherfore, built from "where-" (meaning "what") plus "for."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for wherefore
See all rhymes for wherefore →Frequently asked questions
What does “wherefore” mean?
The word “wherefore” means for what reason; why (archaic). In plain terms, an old-fashioned word for "why," most familiar from the phrase "whys and wherefores.".
How do you pronounce “wherefore”?
“Wherefore” is pronounced WEH-uh-faw (/ˈweɹˌfɔɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wherefore” in a sentence?
Here is “wherefore” used in a sentence: “Wherefore art thou Romeo?”
What part of speech is “wherefore”?
Depending on how it is used, “wherefore” can be an adverb and a noun.
Where does the word “wherefore” come from?
The word “wherefore” comes from Middle English. From Middle English wherfore, built from "where-" (meaning "what") plus "for.".
How many meanings does “wherefore” have?
“Wherefore” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: for what reason; why (archaic).