How to pronounce wherefore
Say it like WAIR-for. Wherefore has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce wherefore. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- WAIR
- for
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Wherefore pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- WAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- forGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of wherefore
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: WAIR-faw.
What does wherefore mean?
- An intent or purpose; a why.
Where does wherefore come from?
From Middle English wherfor, wherfore, hwarfore, equivalent to where- (“what”) + for.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with wherefore
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of wherefore.
Questions about saying wherefore
How do you pronounce wherefore?
Say WAIR-for. The American pronunciation is /ˈwɛrˌfɔr/. In British English it is /ˈwɛəˌfɔː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in wherefore?
Wherefore has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (WAIR). Broken into parts: WAIR · for.
Is wherefore pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈwɛəˌfɔː/ (WAIR-faw).