What
/wɒt/noun
A pronoun used to ask for information about something.
Did you know?The word 'what' has roots in Proto-Indo-European that connect it to the concept of 'being' or 'existence', hinting at deeper philosophical inquiries.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kʷod
“A word used to denote inquiry or questioning.”
Old English
OE
hwæt
“An exclamatory word used to draw attention or ask for clarification.”
Middle English
ME
what
“A form of inquiry, often used in questions.”
Modern English
English
what
“A pronoun to ask for information or clarification.”