whence definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

adverb

Definition:

1. from where: from what place or source ( archaic or literary )

Can we know whence comes this good luck?

2. from which place: from the place or thing previously referred to ( archaic or literary )

that envy whence comes hate

3. as result: from which cause or origin ( formal )

You have treated her badly, whence her anger.

[13th century. < whennes "of or from when"]

Word Usage


	whence or from whence Though the expression from whence is regarded by some critics as redundant because whence by itself means "from where," it has occurred over the centuries many times, most notably in the Bible. Nonetheless, it is best, if one wants to avoid possible criticism, to avoid use of the from.