wherefore

[ hwair-fawr, -fohr, wair- ]

adverb

1. Archaic. for what? why?
2. for that cause or reason:

   Wherefore let us be grateful.

noun

1. the cause or reason:

   to study the whys and wherefores of a situation.

wherefore

/ ˈwɛəˌfɔː /

noun

1. usually plural an explanation or reason (esp in the phrase the whys and wherefores )

adverb

1. archaic.
   for what reason? why?

sentence connector

1. archaic.
   for which reason: used as an introductory word in legal preambles

Word History and Origins

Origin of wherefore¹

Middle English word dating back to 1150–1200; where, for

Idioms and Phrases

see whys and wherefores .

Synonym Study

See therefore.

Example Sentences

She’s trying to rise above party labels — even as national Democrats and their allies pour millions into her campaign — and focus almost entirely on the whys and wherefores of the 3rd District.

From Los Angeles Times

Mescal doesn’t spell out the whys and wherefores of his character’s pain.

From Los Angeles Times

When manning up means terminating one’s ability to reproduce — and woman’s power resides in the destruction of her unborn — you have to wonder, wherefore art we?

From Washington Post

“This is what it is to live,” he cried; “now I enjoy existence! But you, my dear Frankenstein, wherefore are you desponding and sorrowful!”

From Literature

Any hint would be a giant step toward understanding the whys and wherefores of our own origins.

From New York Times