What

Definition

What is a pronoun, adjective, adverb, or interjection used to ask for information specifying something or to express surprise or disbelief.

Parts of Speech

• Pronoun
• Adjective
• Adverb
• Interjection

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wʌt/, /wɑːt/, or /hwʌt/
• Respelling: WUHT, WAHT, or HWUHT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɒt/ or /hwɒt/
• Respelling: WOT or HWOT

Etymology

The word "what" originates from Old English "hwæt," meaning "what" or "which," derived from Proto-Germanic "*hwat" and Proto-Indo-European "*kwo-," a base used for interrogative pronouns. It has been used in English since before the 10th century.

Derivatives

• Whatever (pronoun/adjective)
• Whatsoever (pronoun/adjective)
• Whatnot (noun)
• What’s (contraction)
• Whataboutism (noun, informal)

Synonyms

• Which
• Who (context-dependent)
• None

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "what" is commonly used in interrogative sentences. For example: "What is your name?" It is also used to express surprise: "What a beautiful view!" It can function as an adverb to emphasize something, e.g., "He didn’t know what to say."

Related Terms

• Which: Used to refer to choice or selection.
• Who: Refers to a person in interrogative contexts.
• Why: Refers to reasons or causes.

Detailed Definitions

Pronoun

• Used to ask for information specifying something: Refers to questioning an object, action, or idea.
  • Example: "What is the capital of France?"
• Used in exclamations to emphasize something remarkable: Expresses admiration or surprise.
  • Example: "What a wonderful performance!"

Adjective

• Used to specify information about a noun: Modifies a noun to inquire or highlight.
  • Example: "What books do you recommend?"

Adverb

• Used to ask about the extent or degree: Inquires into the degree of something.
  • Example: "What does it matter?"

Interjection

• Used to express surprise, disbelief, or protest: Serves as a standalone exclamation.
  • Example: "What? That can’t be true!"