What does "witherward" mean?
Opposite; adversity, opposition; hostility
Witherward
/ˈwɪðə(ɹ)wə(ɹ)d/ adj, adv, noun
adj, adv, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Opposite; adversity, opposition; hostility
- Grammar: witherward is listed as adj, adv, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: antithesis, contrary, opposite.
- Usage evidence: Such a witherward and rotten friend she was.
How to use "witherward"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "witherward" 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
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- 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 "witherward" 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
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "witherward" is acting as adj, adv, 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
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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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 Opposite; adversity, opposition; hostility uncountable
"Nor, although be sung the "mighty stream of tendency" of this wondrous age, did he ever launch his poetic craft upon it, nor seem to see the witherward of its swift and awful stress."
Adjective
- 1 Adverse, contrary.
"Such a witherward and rotten friend she was."
- 2 Opposite, opposing; hostile.
"[…] then appeared to me along the way by which I formerly came amid the darkness, as it were the brightness of a shining star, and the light was waxing more and more, and quickly hastening to me, and as soon as it came nigh me, then were scattered and away fled all the witherward ghosts, which formerly threatened me with their tongs, [...]"
Adverb
- 1 Contrary to, against.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Such a witherward and rotten friend she was."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "witherward"?
Common synonyms include: antithesis, contrary, opposite.
How do you use "witherward" in a sentence?
Such a witherward and rotten friend she was.
How do you pronounce "witherward"?
Pronounced /ˈwɪðə(ɹ)wə(ɹ)d/.
Etymology
From Middle English witherward, from Old English wiþerweard (“contrary, adverse, hostile”), from Proto-West Germanic *wiþraward, from Proto-Germanic *wiþrawardaz (“contrary, adverse, in opposition”); equivalent to wither (“against”) + -ward. Cognate with Old High German widarwart (“witherward”), German widerwärtig (“adverse, repulsive”), Gothic 𐍅𐌹𐌸𐍂𐌰𐍅𐌰𐌹𐍂𐌸𐍃 (wiþrawairþs, “witherward”).