wherewithal
/,we wi :l/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The necessary means, especially financial resources, to accomplish something: "wherewithal" refers specifically to the money or other resources that are required to undertake or achieve a particular purpose.
Usage
- "Wherewithal" is an uncountable noun. It is almost always used with the definite article "the" in the phrase "the wherewithal".
- It is used to discuss the practical, often financial, capability to do something.
- It is a formal word, more common in written English than in casual conversation.
Examples
- Noun:
- They lacked the wherewithal to start their own business. (They did not have the necessary money or resources.)
- Do you have the wherewithal to fund this project? (Do you possess the financial means?)
- She has the talent but not the wherewithal to produce a film. (She has the skill but not the financial backing.)
Advanced Usage
- While primarily financial, "wherewithal" can sometimes extend to non-material resources like energy, knowledge, or determination, though this is less common.
- After the long journey, I didn't have the mental wherewithal to argue. (I lacked the mental energy or capacity.)
Variants and Related Words
- Means (n): Method, instrument, or financial resources. A more common and general synonym.
- Resources (n): A supply of money, materials, staff, or other assets.
- Capital (n): Wealth in the form of money or assets, used to start or maintain a business.
Synonyms
- Funds: Money that is available for a particular purpose.
- Finances: The management of large amounts of money, or the monetary resources themselves.
- Means: The resources required to accomplish something.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "To have the wherewithal": To possess the necessary resources (especially money).
- He finally had the wherewithal to buy a house.
- "To lack the wherewithal": To not have the necessary resources.
- The charity lacked the wherewithal to help everyone in need.
Noun
- the necessary means (especially financial means)