wherewithal
/ˈwɛə.wɪ.ðɔːl/
wherewithal · adv — in what way; how. It carries an Arena rating of 1797, earned across 19 head-to-head judged battles.
Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, wherewithal ranks #2,147 of 17,188 for Words That Escaped Their Books, #3,052 of 17,187 for Most Malleable Words, #3,714 of 17,162 for Most Elegant Words, #4,141 of 17,129 for Most Ponderous Words.
wherewithal is pronounced /ˈwɛə.wɪ.ðɔːl/.
Why “wherewithal” is a great word
WHEREWITHAL — [Noun, Adverb] The necessary means, resources, or capability, especially financial, to accomplish a task. From the Middle English elements 'where-' and 'withal' ("with all"). The adverbial sense meaning 'by means of which' is attested from the 1530s; nominal use meaning 'the necessary means' is recorded from 1809. Unlike "means," a neutral term for any instrument, or "resources," broad assets not yet summoned to purpose, "wherewithal" implies the specific sufficiency and decisive capacity to proceed. It is the final sum in the savings account that buys the ticket, the sudden clarity of will that turns an idea into action, and the quiet confidence that answers a daunting challenge—the tangible or intangible proof that one can, in fact, go on.
❧ Essay by Lexicurio’s AI · definition, etymology & citations from published sources
Etymology
From where- + withal. Originally only an adverb, nominal use since ca. 1800.
adv
- In what way; how.e.g.“Wherewithall shall a yong man cleanse his way? by taking heede thereto according to thy word.” — 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Psalms 119:9:
- By means of which.
noun
- The ability and means required to accomplish some task.e.g.“I would like to help your project, but I do not have the wherewithal.”
Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Words closest in meaning
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