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Meaning of what in English. what. determiner, pronoun, exclamation. us / wɑːt / uk / wɒt / what determiner, pronoun, exclamation (QUESTION) Add to word list. A1. used to ask for information about people or things: What time is it? What books did you buy? What did you wear? What size shoes do you wear? What happened after I left?
The meaning of WHAT is —used as an interrogative expressing inquiry about the identity, nature, or value of an object or matter. How to use what in a sentence.
What definition: (used interrogatively as a request for specific information). See examples of WHAT used in a sentence.
- Overview
- or what
- what about
- what…for
- what have you
- what if
- what of
- what's it to you?
- what's more
53 ENTRIES FOUND:
1 what /ˈwɑːt/ /ˈwʌt/ pronoun
1 what
/ˈwɑːt/ /ˈwʌt/
pronoun
Britannica Dictionary definition of WHAT
informal
1
— used to ask about what is happening, being done, etc.
•Is it snowing, raining, or what?
•So are you ready to leave or what?
2
1
a : does that include (someone) : how about (someone)
•“We're all going to the beach.” “What about Kenny?”
b : how does that affect (someone or something) : what should be done about (someone or something)
•“I need to leave—something has come up.” “What about the meeting?” “We can reschedule it.”
•“You can throw this one away.” “What about the others?” “Those I want to keep.”
: for what purpose or reason
•What did you do that for? [=why did you do that?]
•What is this switch for? [=what does this switch do?]
•“The principal wants to see you.” “What for?” [=why?]
1
: what would happen if
•What if they find out?
•What if it rains?
2
: what does it matter if — used to say that something is not important
1
formal : how does that affect (someone or something) : what should be done about (someone or something)
•What of [=what about] those who cannot afford health insurance?
2
: why does (something) matter
•“Did you approve this request?” “Yes. What of it?” [=so what?]
informal
: why do you want to know — used to respond in a somewhat angry or annoyed way to a question that you do not want to answer
: in addition : furthermore
•Her boyfriend is intelligent and handsome; what's more, he respects her.
from English Grammar Today. What is a wh -word. We use what to ask questions and as a pronoun and determiner. What as a question word. We can use what to ask for information about things and actions: What do you want? What’s she doing? Tell her to stop at once! What time are you leaving? We can also use what in indirect questions:
Definition of 'what' what. (hwɒt ) pronunciation note: Usually pronounced (hwɒt ) for meanings [sense 2], [sense 4], [sense 5] and [sense 18]. 1. pronoun A1. You use what in questions when you ask for specific information about something that you do not know. What do you want? What did she tell you, anyway?
Check pronunciation: what. Definition of what pronoun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
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