wherewith

A traveler uses his wherewith to purchase a simple meal.

Definition

1. Adverb (archaic):

   • With which; by means of which: "wherewith" is an old-fashioned word meaning "with which" or "by which." It is used to refer to the instrument, means, or method by which something is done.

2. Pronoun (archaic):

   • That with which: "wherewith" can also function as a pronoun meaning "the thing with which" or "the means by which."

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • He had no money wherewith to pay the debt. (He had no money with which to pay the debt.)
  • She lacked the tools wherewith to repair the machine. (She lacked the tools by which to repair the machine.)

• Pronoun:

  • The king provided them wherewith to build the temple. (The king provided them the means by which to build the temple.)
  • I have not the wherewith to support such a lavish lifestyle. (I do not have the resources with which to support such a lavish lifestyle.)

Advanced Usage

• "Wherewithal" (related noun): While "wherewith" is the adverb/pronoun form, "wherewithal" is a modern noun meaning the necessary means, resources, or ability to do something.

  • She has the wherewithal to start her own business. (She has the financial resources and ability to start a business.)

• "The wherewith": In older texts, "the wherewith" can be used as a noun phrase meaning "the necessary means."

  • He lacked the wherewith to continue his studies. (He lacked the financial means to continue his studies.)

Variants and Related Words

• Wherewithal (n): the necessary means or resources (especially financial).

  • They did not have the wherewithal to buy a house. (They did not have enough money or resources to buy a house.)

• Wherewith (adv) is a compound of "where" + "with," similar to other archaic compounds like "whereby" (by which), "wherein" (in which), and "whereon" (on which).

Synonyms

• Whereby: by which (more common in modern English).

  • He found a method whereby he could save time. (He found a method by which he could save time.)

• With which: the modern equivalent of "wherewith."

  • The pen with which he wrote was old. (Instead of "The pen wherewith he wrote was old.")

Related Idioms

• "Have the wherewithal": to have the necessary means or ability.

  • Do you have the wherewithal to complete this project on time? (Do you have the resources and ability to complete it?)

• "Wherewith to do something": an archaic phrase meaning "with which to do something."

  • They gathered supplies wherewith to survive the winter. (They gathered supplies with which to survive the winter.)