How Do You Spell WHEREFORE?

Pronunciation: [wˈe͡əfɔː] (IPA)

The word "wherefore" may seem confusing to spell, but it actually follows a consistent pattern in English. The "wh" digraph is pronounced as /hw/, with the /h/ being a voiced fricative sound. The "ere" ending is pronounced as /ɛr/, a diphthong containing both the open-mid front unrounded vowel /ɛ/ and the rhotic /r/ sound. When put together, the word is pronounced as /ˈhwɛrfɔr/. Despite its archaic use in modern English, understanding the phonetic components of "wherefore" can provide insight into how spelling and pronunciation have evolved over time.

WHEREFORE Meaning and Definition

1. For which reason; why.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for WHEREFORE

• stherefore
• therfefore
• therefopre
• thjerefore
• thereforec
• therefre
• threfore
• thererfore
• wherevere
• therrfore
• therofore
• herefore
• therefire
• trerefore
• atherefore
• theerefore
• thereffore
• therefrore
• therrefore
• wherefors
• thereforei
• ttherefore
• threrefore
• therefeore
• terefore
• therefiore
• thefrefore
• therefoere
• therefere
• wherefoe
• wherfor
• werefore
• whrefore
• wherfeore
• whearfore
• wywherefore
• Wherforme
• wharefors
• waitefore

Etymology of WHEREFORE

The word "wherefore" is a Middle English term derived from the Old English phrase "hƿǣrfore". It is a combination of the Old English words "hƿǣr" meaning "where" and "fore" meaning "for what reason" or "therefore". In modern usage, "wherefore" is often misunderstood as a question word meaning "where", mainly due to its usage in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet: "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" However, in this context, "wherefore" actually means "why", asking why Romeo had to be who he is and come from the rival house.

Similar spelling words for WHEREFORE

• wherefrom,
• wherever,
• wherefor,
• wharf rat.