what
1what
pronoun \ˈhwät, ˈhwət, ˈwät, ˈwət\Definition of WHAT
1
a (1) —used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the identity, nature, or value of an object or matter <what is this> <what is wealth without friends> <what does he earn> <what hath God wrought> (2) —often used to ask for repetition of an utterance or part of an utterance not properly heard or understood <you said what> b (1) archaic : who 1 —used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the identity of a person (2) —used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the character, nature, occupation, position, or role of a person <what do you think I am, a fool> <what is she, that all our swains commend her — Shakespeare> c —used as an exclamation expressing surprise or excitement and frequently introducing a question <what, no breakfast> d —used in expressions directing attention to a statement that the speaker is about to make <you know what> e (1) —used at the end of a question to express inquiry about additional possibilities <is it raining, or snowing, or what> (2) —used with or at the end of a question usually in expectation of agreement <is this exciting, or what> f chiefly British —used at the end of an utterance as a form of tag question <a clever play, what>
3
a : that which : the one or ones that <no income but what he gets from his writings> —sometimes used in reference to a clause or phrase that is yet to come or is not yet complete <gave also, what is more valuable, understanding> b : the thing or things that <what you need is a vacation> <what angered us was the tone of the article>
— what for
1
: for what purpose or reason : why —usually used with the other words of a question between what and for <what did you do that for> except when used alone
2
: harsh treatment especially by blows or by a sharp reprimand <gave him what for in violent Spanish — New Yorker>
— what have you
: whatnot <novels, plays, short stories, travelogues, and what have you — Haldeen Braddy>
— what if
1
: what will or would be the result if
2
: what does it matter if <so what if he doesn't like it>
— what of
1
: what is the situation with respect to
2
: what importance can be assigned to
— what's more
: in addition : furthermore
— what's what
: the true state of things <knows what's what when it comes to fashion>
— what though
: what does it matter if <what though the rose have prickles, yet 'tis plucked — Shakespeare>
Origin of WHAT
Middle English, from Old English hwæt, neuter of hwā who — more at who
First Known Use: before 12th century
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