Meaning

(conjunctive, interrogative, archaic) Why, for what reason, because of what..

Definitions by Sense

1. (conjunctive, interrogative, archaic) Why, for what reason, because of what.
2. (conjunctive, indicative, archaic or formal) Therefore; thus.
3. (archaic) Because of which.
4. An intent or purpose; a why.

Example Sentences

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.

VVherefore weepe you?

Wherefore doe the wicked liue, become old, yea, are mightie in power?

And if he preached other than the right doctrine, wherefore did his superiors in the Carthusian convent permit it? If the shepherds turn a wolf in sheep's clothing into the flock, they should not blame the sheep for being worried.

"Good morning, Mrs. Denny," he said. "Wherefore this worried look on your face? Has that reprobate James been misbehaving himself?"

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?

Wherefore, Judge G. Thomas Porteous, Jr., is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors and should be removed from office.

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.

Word Forms

• wherefor
• wherefores

Synonyms for wherefore

Related Words

When Should You Use Wherefore?

Use wherefore when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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