wherefore

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Appearing before the Democratic faithful at the state party convention in San Francisco, hopefuls offered the whys and wherefore of their candidacies.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026

The musicians, especially but not exclusively Jerry Garcia, whose death in 1995 only technically ended the Dead, prove remarkably articulate about the why and wherefore of their music and the group mind that created it.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2024

In addition to gleaning the why and wherefore behind America’s foundational document, teenage listeners will meet up with the Declaration of Independence and a roster of seminal Supreme Court decisions.

From New York Times • May 28, 2018

But when I heard in their sweet melodiesCompassion for me, more than had they said,"O wherefore, lady, dost thou thus upbraid him?"

From The Guardian • Aug. 16, 2010

“This is what it is to live,” he cried; “now I enjoy existence! But you, my dear Frankenstein, wherefore are you desponding and sorrowful!”

From "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley