SINCE 1828
whence
adverb
\ ˈhwen(t)s
, ˈwen(t)s\
, ˈwen(t)s\
Definition of whence
(Entry 1 of 2)
: from what place, source, or cause
then whence comes this paradox — Changing Times
from whence
: from what place, source, or cause
no one could tell me from whence the gold had come— Graham Greene
whence
conjunctionDefinition of whence (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: from what place, source, or cause
inquired whence the water came— Maria Edgeworth
2a
: from or out of which place, source, or cause
the lawless society whence the ballads sprang— DeLancey Ferguson
b
: by reason of which fact
nothing broke— whence I infer that my bones are not yet chalky— O. W. Holmes †1935
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Time Traveler for whence
The first known use of whence was in the 13th century
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More Definitions for whence
whence
adverb
English Language Learners Definition of whence
old-fashioned + literary
: from where
See the full definition for whence in the English Language Learners Dictionary
whence
adverb
\ ˈhwens
, ˈwens\
, ˈwens\
Kids Definition of whence
1
: from what place, source, or cause
Whence come all these questions?
2
: from or out of which
We knew little of the land whence they came.
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