Definition Synonyms
Definition of what - Reverso English Dictionary
Determiner
1.
questionasking for information about something
- What time is it?
2.
relativeRare used to specify things or people in a sentenceRare
- I know what car she drives.
3.
exclamativeRare used to emphasize something remarkableRare
- What a beautiful day it is!
Pronoun
1.
interrogativeused to ask about a thing or event
- What is your favorite color?
2.
fused relativeused to refer to the thing that
- I don't know what he wants.
Adverb
1.
measurementasking about amount or degree
- What more can we do to help?
2.
questionused to ask for specific information
- What time does the show start?
Interjection
1.
communicationasks for repetition or clarification
- What? I didn't catch that.
2.
expressionexpresses surprise or disbelief
- What! I can't believe you did that!
3.
abrupt inquiryused to abruptly ask someone's purpose
- What? I'm busy right now.
Expressions with what
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scheduled events or shows happening now or soon
Do you know what's on at the cinema tonight?
asks what will happen next
The meeting is over, now what?
what is truly important in a situation
In the end, kindness is what counts.
express delight or excitement about something enjoyable
What fun it is to ride a bike!
asking about the current situation or event
What's going on in the meeting room?
asking what someone is thinking or feeling
You seem quiet today, what's on your mind?
question asking for the distinction between things
What's the difference between these two colors?
ask about someone's problem or issue
She looked upset, so I asked, "What's the matter?"
earn the results of actions especially when those results are unpleasant
After ignoring the warnings, he deserved what he got.
receive a punishment or reward appropriate to one's actions
After cheating, he finally got what he deserves.
receive a punishment or reward appropriate for one's actions
If you keep lying, you'll get what you deserve in the end.
understand the point I am trying to show
The pattern keeps repeating, see what I mean?
expresses surprise or disbelief about the day's events
What a day it has been with all these surprises!
remarks on misfortune, sincerely or with irony
What a shame—you missed the show, though you probably didn’t care.
used to show surprise at an unexpected connection or coincidence
You know my cousin too? What a small world!
express surprise or annoyance about a bad smell
What a stink! Who left the trash open?
used to express gratitude for a friend's help
Thanks for listening to me. What are friends for?
asking about someone's abilities or options
If you finish early, what can you do next?
questions the importance of an action or decision
What difference does it make if we leave now?
ask if someone is willing to do something
What do you say to going for a walk?
wonder about future events or outcomes
I often wonder what does the future hold for us.
questions the benefit of an action or idea
He suggested calling again, but what good would that do?
expresses willingness to share possessions with someone
Feel at home, what is mine is yours.
asking about someone's health or feelings
You look upset, what is wrong with you?
Origin of what
Old English, hwæt (what)
Terms with what included in their meaning
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planning
intention or decision about what one is going to do
giving
give part of what you have to others
hearing repair
asks someone to repeat what was not heard or understood
interrogative
at what time or occasion
location
in or to what place or position
interrogative
for what reason or purpose
quantity
asks what number of countable things or people there are
reassurance
no problem or issue with what happened
perception
show what someone notices with senses
lacking clarity
unable to think clearly or understand what is happening
in container
what is contained within something
difference
different from what was mentioned
additional
in addition to what was mentioned
additional
in addition to what was mentioned
kind act
act of kindness beyond what is due or usual
communication
indicates not hearing what was said
extra
additional to what is required for ordinary use
emotion
feeling uneasy or troubled about problems or what might happen
extra
additional to what was considered
alternative
different from what was mentioned
checking meaning
used to ask if someone has understood what was said
distance
at what distance between two points
measurement
to what degree or extent something happens
time inquiry
in what amount of time
Examples of what in a sentence
What color do you prefer? She couldn't remember what book she lent him. What advice he gave was invaluable to her. What an incredible performance that was! What a surprise to see you here! What are you doing this weekend?
What caused the sudden noise outside? She couldn't decide what to wear. What he said surprised everyone. What a beautiful day it is! What difference does it make? What color is your new car? What movie are we watching tonight? What? Can you repeat that, please? What? I didn't hear you clearly. What! You never told me about this! What! That's an incredible story! What? I didn't hear you. What? That's impossible!
View all translations of what
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:quel, quoi, ...
- German:welch, was, ...
- Italian:che, cosa, ...
- Spanish:qué, cuál, ...
- Portuguese:que, o que, ...
- Chinese:什么, 多么, ...
- Japanese:何, 車, ...
- Arabic:ما, يا له من, ...
- Hebrew:אֵיזֶה, מָה, ...
- Russian:который, что, ...
- Ukrainian:який, що, ...
- Hindi:क्या, कौन-सी, ...
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