What - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

What

|what|

🇺🇸

/wʌt/

🇬🇧

/wɒt/

(what)

questioning

Base Form	Plural
what	whats

Etymology

Etymology Information

'What' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hwæt', where 'hwæt' meant 'what'.

Historical Evolution

'Hwæt' changed from Old English word 'hwæt' and eventually became the modern English word 'what'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'what', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the thing or things that are being referred to.

I don't know what to do.

Synonyms

Adjective 1

used to specify something in particular.

What book are you reading?

Synonyms

Adverb 1

to what extent or degree.

What does it matter?

Synonyms

Pronoun 1

used to ask for information about something.

What is your name?

Synonyms

Examples

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35