Idioms for what
Origin of what
before 900; Middle English; Old English
hwæt; cognate with German
was, Dutch
wat, Old Norse
hvat; akin to Gothic
hwa, Latin
quod, Greek
tí
usage note for what
25. See
doubt.
Words nearby what
British Dictionary definitions for what for
Word Origin for what
Old English
hwæt; related to Old Frisian
whet, Old High German
hwaz (German
was), Old Norse
hvatr
usage for what
The use of
are in sentences such as
what we need are more doctors is common, although many people think
is should be used:
what we need is more doctors
Idioms and Phrases with what for (1 of 2)
what for
For what purpose or reason, why, as in I know you're going to England, but what for? [Mid-1700s]
A punishment or scolding, as in You'll get what for from Mom if she catches you smoking, or The teacher really gave Bud what for. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s]
Idioms and Phrases with what for (2 of 2)
what