What does "wherefore" mean?
An intent or purpose; a why.
Wherefore
/ˈwɛə(ɹ)ˌfɔː(ɹ)/ adv, conj, noun
adv, conj, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An intent or purpose; a why.
- Grammar: wherefore is listed as adv, conj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: accordingly, after all, after which, all things considered.
- Useful contrasts: consequently, contemporary usage, modern usage.
- Usage evidence: O Romeo Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
How to use "wherefore"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "wherefore" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "wherefore" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "wherefore" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "wherefore" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "wherefore" is acting as adv, conj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accordingly" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "wherefore", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An intent or purpose; a why.
"Ant[ipholus of Syracuse]. Shall I tell you why? / S. Dro. [Dromio of Syracuse] I, ſir, and wherefore; for they ſay, euery why hath a wherefore."
- 2 the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase ‘the whys and wherefores’ wordnet
Adverb
- 1 Why, for what reason, because of what. archaic, conjunctive, interrogative, not-comparable
"Ah, Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? / Denie thy Father, and refuſe thy name, / Or if thou wilt not be but ſworne my loue, / And il'e no longer be a Capulet."
- 2 Therefore; thus. archaic, conjunctive, formal, indicative, not-comparable
"For behold, by the power of his word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the power of his word. Wherefore, if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of his hands upon the face of it, according to his will and pleasure?"
Conjunction
- 1 Because of which. archaic
"Wherefore, thus ſaith the holy one of Iſrael, Becauſe ye deſpise this word, and truſt in oppreſſion and peruerſeneſſe, and ſtay thereon: Therefore this iniquitie ſhalbe to you as a breach ready to fall, ſwelling out in a high wall, whoſe breaking commeth ſuddenly at an inſtant."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"O Romeo Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "wherefore"?
Common synonyms include: accordingly, after all, after which, all things considered, archaic usage, argument.
How do you use "wherefore" in a sentence?
O Romeo Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
How do you pronounce "wherefore"?
Pronounced /ˈwɛə(ɹ)ˌfɔː(ɹ)/.
Etymology
From Middle English wherfor, wherfore, hwarfore, equivalent to where- (“what”) + for. Compare Dutch waarvoor (“what for, wherefore”), German wofür (“for what, what for, why”), Danish and Norwegian hvorfor (“wherefore, why”), Swedish varför (“wherefore, why”). More at where, for.