Whither

Whither is an English adverb (and occasionally a stylistic conjunction) meaning “to what place” or “to what end.” In modern usage it is primarily found in literature, poetry, religious or ceremonial language, and line with historical or archaic tone. It asks about destination or direction, as in questions such as “Whither are you bound?” The form is largely obsolete in everyday speech, where where, or to where, is typically used instead.

Etymology and cognates: Whither comes from Old English hwider, meaning “to what place.” It is related to other Germanic forms such as Dutch waarheen and German wohin. The related opposite question word whence means “from where.” This pair—whither and whence—belongs to a traditional set of interrogatives that distinguish direction (to) from origin (from) in Early Modern English and earlier.

Usage and tone: In contemporary writing, whither is used mainly for effect, to evoke antiquity, solemnity, or classical rhetoric. It appears in quotations, historical fiction, or high-style prose. It can appear in phrases like “to whither,” though such constructions are uncommon outside literary contexts. In everyday English, speakers typically replace it with where or to where.

Examples: “Whither goest thou?” “Whither are we bound?” “He wondered whither the rumor would lead them.” Modern equivalents would be “Where are you going?” or “Where are we headed?”

See also: whence, where, wherefore. Etymology: from Old English hwider; cognates include Dutch waarheen and German wohin.