what for

W w

Definitions of what for words

noun what for the true nature or identity of something, or the sum of its characteristics: a lecture on the whats and hows of crop rotation. 1
adjective what for (used interrogatively before nouns): What news? What clothes shall I pack? 1
adjective what for whatever: Take what supplies you need. 1
adverb what for to what extent or degree? how much?: What does it matter? 1
adverb what for (used to introduce a prepositional phrase beginning with with): What with storms and all, their return was delayed. 1
adverb what for Obsolete. for what reason or purpose? why? 1

before 900

One of the 4% oldest English words

before 900; Middle English; Old English hwæt; cognate with German was, Dutch wat, Old Norse hvat; akin to Gothic hwa, Latin quod, Greek tí

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 99% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

hard time — a period of difficulties or hardship.
hard times — a period of difficulties or hardship.
avengement — (rare) The inflicting of retributive punishment; satisfaction taken.
avenging — taking vengeance on someone or something for a wrong done
chastening — A chastening experience makes you regret that you have behaved badly or stupidly.