Wherever

Definition

Wherever is a conjunction and adverb that refers to any or every place, indicating that an action or event occurs regardless of location.

Parts of Speech

• Conjunction
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɛrˈɛv.ɚ/
• Respelling: where-EV-er

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɛəˈɛv.ə/
• Respelling: where-EV-uh

Etymology

The word "wherever" is derived from Middle English "where-evere," combining "where," meaning "in what place," with "ever," indicating an indefinite or emphatic meaning. It has been used in English since the 14th century.

Derivatives

• Whereverness (noun, rare)
• Wherever possible (phrase)
• Wherever you are (phrase)
• Wherever needed (phrase)
• Wherever applicable (phrase)

Synonyms

• Anywhere
• Everywhere
• Anyplace

Antonyms

• Nowhere
• Someplace specific
• Here

Usage

The conjunction "wherever" is used to indicate that something happens in any location, as in "You can sit wherever you like." The adverb form is used similarly, for example, "She follows him wherever he goes."

Related Terms

• Where: Refers to a specific place or location.
• Whenever: Refers to any or every time.
• Everywhere: Refers to all places.

Detailed Definitions

Conjunction

• In or to any place that: Used to introduce a clause about a location.
  • Example: "You can go wherever you want during the vacation."
• No matter where: Indicates that location does not matter.
  • Example: "I will find you wherever you are."

Adverb

• In any or all places: Refers to action or presence in multiple or undefined locations.
  • Example: "She brings joy wherever she goes."