- as an interrogative: which thing, event, circumstance, etc.?: used to ask for the specification of an identity, quantity, quality, etc., as: the nature, class, name, purpose, etc. of a thing: what is that object? what is your address?
- an explanation or repetition of something previously said: you told them what?
- such an explanation or repetition: used elliptically: “Sh. Quiet!” “What?”
- as a relative pronoun, with the meaning: that which or those which: to know what one wants anything that: do what you will the exact person or thing that: he's not what he was five years ago that or who: a nonstandard usage: the man what gave it to me
- as an intensifier in exclamations [what he said about her!]
- in various other usesChiefly Brit., Informal used to end a sentence with a general or rhetorical interrogative force: it's rather late, what? used to introduce a parenthetical element in a sentence: she has, what is rare, true tolerance used elliptically to mean “what it is,” “what to do,” etc.: I'll tell you what!
Origin of what
Middle English hwat from Old English hwæt, neuter of hwa, who from Indo-European interrogative base an unverified form kwo-, an unverified form kwe- from source where, who, Classical Latin qui, who what, Lithuanian kàs, what, who the true or basic quality of something: to uncover the what and why of their relationship
- which or which kind of: used interrogatively or relatively in asking for or specifying the nature, identity, etc. of a person or thing: what man told you that? he knows what role she played
- as much, or as many, as: take what time (or men) you need
- how great, surprising, magnificent, disappointing, etc.: in exclamations: what a man! what nonsense!
- in what respect? to what degree? how?: what does it matter?
- how greatly, surprisingly, etc.: in exclamations: what tragic news!
- Obs. why?
Brit., Dial. so far as; as much as: we warned them what we could
used to express surprise, anger, confusion, etc.: what! no dinner?
what Idioms
and what not
and other things of all sorts
what about
what is your wish, opinion, or information concerning: what about going to a movie?
what for
- for what purpose? why?
- Slang punishment; esp., a whipping: he gave his son what for!
what have you
Informal anything else of a similar sort: selling games, toys, or what have you
what if
- what would happen if
- what difference would it make if
what it takes
Informal whatever is necessary for success or popularity, as wealth, beauty, or intelligence
what's what
Informal the true state of affairs
what the hell (or heck, devil, etc.)
Informal an exclamatory remark of surprise, resignation, etc.
what though
what difference does it make that
what with
- because of: what with the snow and ice, we'll be late
- in view of; taking into account: what with the usual rush-hour traffic, I suspect you'll be late
