why and wherefore

W

why and wherefore (noun / idiom)
/waɪ ənd ˈwɛrˌfɔr/

Definition

The idiom “why and wherefore” means asking for or giving a full explanation of something, not just a simple reason. It looks at all the causes and reasons behind it.

Variants

• the whys and wherefores
• whys & wherefores

Meanings

• Reason or purpose behind something.
• Cause or explanation of an event or situation.
• Logical justification or motive for an action or belief.
• Details or background information explaining a decision or behavior.

Example Sentences

1. She demanded to know the why and wherefore of his sudden resignation.
2. No one explained the why and wherefore of the policy change.
3. He’s always curious about the why and wherefore of everything around him.
4. The teacher shared the why and wherefore of the experiment before starting.

Synonyms: reason; cause; motive; justification; logic; rationale; explanation.

Origin and History

The expression “why and wherefore” has deep roots in the English language, tracing back to the Middle English period (1150-1500). Both “why” and “wherefore” were independent words, each contributing to the meaning of inquiry. “Why” traditionally referred to the reason for an event or situation, while “wherefore” originally meant “for what reason or purpose,” or “how it came to be.” Over time, “wherefore” largely evolved to mean the same as “why,” making the combination of the two words in the idiom seem redundant in modern usage. However, this apparent redundancy actually serves to emphasize the desire for a complete and thorough understanding of all underlying factors.

Shakespearean Influence

A significant milestone in the term’s history is its prominent use by William Shakespeare. The complete expression “in the why and the wherefore” appeared in his play The Comedy of Errors, believed to have been written around 1590. In Act 2, Scene 2, the line “Was there ever any man thus beaten out of season, When in the why and the wherefore is neither rhyme nor reason?” solidified its place in the English lexicon. Shakespeare’s influential use helped popularize the phrase, embedding it into common speech and literature.

Earliest Documented Use

While Shakespeare’s use in 1590 is a key early printed record for the full idiom, the individual word “wherefore” appeared even earlier. Evidence suggests its earliest known use as an adverb dates back to approximately 1200, found in a text titled Vices and Virtues. This indicates that “wherefore” as a standalone term for “why” or “for what reason” was present in English centuries before it became part of the compound idiom. The noun form of “wherefore,” which refers to an explanation or reason, is noted to have first appeared around 1590, aligning with Shakespeare’s period of usage.

Country of Origin

Given its origins in Middle and Early Modern English, and the pivotal role of William Shakespeare, the phrase “why and wherefore” originated in England. The historical development of the English language and its literary traditions, particularly during the Elizabethan era, provided the fertile ground for this idiom to take shape and gain widespread recognition. Although “wherefore” has linguistic relatives in other Germanic languages, its specific idiomatic pairing with “why” is distinctly English.

The Idiom’s Enduring Meaning

Even though “wherefore” is now largely archaic in everyday conversation, the idiom “why and wherefore” continues to be used. It signifies a comprehensive inquiry into all the underlying causes, motivations, and justifications for a particular event, decision, or situation. It suggests a desire to understand the full context and all contributing elements, rather than just superficial reasons. This enduring meaning highlights the phrase’s effectiveness in conveying a deeper level of questioning and explanation.

Important

Last update: July 19, 2025 8:22 AM