- (used interrogatively as a request for specific information): What is the matter?
- (used interrogatively to inquire about the character, occupation, etc., of a person): What does he do?
- (used interrogatively to inquire as to the origin, identity, etc., of something): What are those birds?
- (used interrogatively to inquire as to the worth, usefulness, force, or importance of something): What is wealth without friends?
- (used interrogatively to request a repetition of words or information not fully understood, usually used in elliptical constructions): You need what?
- (used interrogatively to inquire the reason or purpose of something, usually used in elliptical constructions): What of it?
- how much?: What does it cost?
- (used relatively to indicate that which): I will send what was promised.
- whatever; anything that: Say what you please.Come what may.
- the kind of thing or person that: He said what everyone expected he would. They are just what I was expecting.
- as much as; as many as: We should each give what we can.
- the thing or fact that (used in parenthetic clauses): He went to the meeting and, what was worse, insisted on speaking.
- (used to indicate more to follow, additional possibilities, alternatives, etc.): You know what? Shall we go or what?
- (used as an intensifier in exclamatory phrases, often followed by an indefinite article): What luck! What an idea!
- don't you agree?: An unusual chap, what?
- that; which; who: She's the one what told me.
- the true nature or identity of something, or the sum of its characteristics: a lecture on the whats and hows of crop rotation.
- (used interrogatively before nouns): What news? What clothes shall I pack?
- whatever: Take what supplies you need.
- to what extent or degree? how much?: What does it matter?
- (used to introduce a prepositional phrase beginning with with): What with storms and all, their return was delayed.
- for what reason or purpose? why?
- (used in exclamatory expressions, often followed by a question): What, no salt?
- as much as; as far as: He helps me what he can.
- but that; but who; who or that … not: Who knows but what the sun may still shine.
- (used especially among teenagers) What's that you say? Would you repeat that?
- (an expression of disinterest, disinclination, or contempt.)
- what for,
- why: What are you doing that for?You want that package now? What for?
- a punishment or scolding: If he stays out late again, his parents are going to give him what for!
- other things of the same kind; so forth: money, jewels, stocks, and what have you.
- what would be the outcome if; suppose that:What if everyone who was invited comes?
- something that enables one to achieve success or attain a desired end, as good looks, ability, or money: There's a young woman who has what it takes to get along in the world.
- the true situation; all the facts: It's high time you told him what's what.
- used with a noun in requesting further information about the identity or categorization of something
- (as pronoun)
- (used in indirect questions)
- the (person, thing, persons, or things) that
- (as pronoun)
- (intensifier; used in exclamations)
- in what respect? to what degree?
- which, who, or that, when used as relative pronouns
- what do you think, know, feel, etc, concerning?
- what for
- for what purpose? why?
- a punishment or reprimand (esp in the phrase give (a person) what for)
- someone, something, or somewhere unknown or unspecified
- what if
- what would happen if?
- what difference would it make if?
- what does it matter?
- the true or real state of affairs
- don't you think? don't you agree?
