Wither vs. Whither — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Wither" describes a decline or decay, often used for plants or hopes, while "whither" questions destination or direction.
Difference Between Wither and Whither
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Wither" is used to describe the process of decaying or drying up, especially in a natural context, such as leaves or flowers. On the other hand, "whither" is an archaic or literary term asking "to what place?" or "where?"
In literature, "wither" can metaphorically signify the decline of vitality or vigor, like the fading of youthful beauty. Whereas, "whither" often appears in poetic or philosophical contexts, questioning the direction of life or decisions.
"Wither" can also imply a reduction in power, presence, or extent, such as a withering economy. Conversely, "whither" can be used to question the future direction or potential destinations of objects or abstract concepts.
The use of "wither" in everyday language typically pertains to visible decline, for example, a plant withering due to lack of water. While "whither" is rarely used in casual conversation, retaining a specific role in formal, poetic, or rhetorical writing.
Both terms share an Old English root, reflecting their longstanding presence in the language, yet they diverge distinctly in modern usage: "wither" remains relatively common, whereas "whither" is largely reserved for specific literary or formal contexts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To shrink; fade; decay.
To what place? In which direction?
Usage Context
Natural, metaphorical decline.
Questioning direction or place.
Commonality
More common in everyday use.
Mostly archaic or literary.
Example Usage
Plants withering in the sun.
Whither goes thou?
Part of Speech
Verb.
Adverb (or interrogative).
Compare with Definitions
Wither
To lose vitality or intensity.
His enthusiasm withered after several setbacks.
Whither
Asking toward what place or state.
Whither are we wandering?
Wither
To cause to feel ashamed or embarrassed.
Her sharp critique withered his pride.
Whither
Reflecting philosophical inquiry.
Whither shall the truth lie?
Wither
To dry up or shrivel due to lack of moisture.
The harsh sun caused the crops to wither.
Whither
Indicating the direction of something.
Whither points the compass?
Wither
To decline in influence or power.
The ancient regime withered under new governance.
Whither
Used rhetorically to question future outcomes.
Whither goes our fate?
Wither
To become wrinkled or worn.
The old photograph had withered with age.
Whither
Used in literary contexts to add depth.
Whither dost thou lead these souls?
Wither
(of a plant) become dry and shrivelled
The grass had withered to an unappealing brown
Whither
To what place or state
Whither are we bound?
They asked people whither they would emigrate
Wither
Fall into decay or decline
It is not true that old myths either die or wither away
Whither
To which (with reference to a place)
The barbecue had been set up by the lake, whither Matthew and Sara were conducted
Wither
Humiliate (someone) with a scornful look or manner
She withered him with a glance
Whither
To what place, result, or condition
Whither are we wandering?.
Wither
To dry up or shrivel from loss of moisture.
Whither
To which specified place or position
Landed on the shores whither the storm had tossed them.
Wither
To lose force or vitality; become diminished; wane
"Belief in industry self-regulation took hold ... and formal regulation was allowed to wither" (Eduardo Porter).
Whither
To whatever place, result, or condition
"Whither thou goest, I will go" (Ruth 1:16).
Wither
To cause to shrivel or fade.
Whither
To what place.
Wither
To cause to lose force or vitality; diminish or destroy
"Three years apart had withered her hopes and she was engaged to someone else" (John Garth).
Whither
Into what future state; where next.
Wither
To render speechless or incapable of action; stun
The teacher withered the noisy student with a glance.
Whither
To wuther.
Wither
(intransitive) To shrivel, droop or dry up, especially from lack of water.
Whither
To what place; - used interrogatively; as, whither goest thou?
Sir Valentine, whither away so fast?
Wither
(transitive) To cause to shrivel or dry up.
Whither
To what or which place; - used relatively.
That no man should know . . . whither that he went.
We came unto the land whither thou sentest us.
Wither
To lose vigour or power; to languish; to pass away.
Whither
To what point, degree, end, conclusion, or design; whereunto; whereto; - used in a sense not physical.
Nor have I . . . whither to appeal.
Wither
(intransitive) To become helpless due to emotion.
Whither
To what place;
Whither go you?
Wither
(transitive) To make helpless due to emotion.
Wither
(obsolete) To go against, resist; oppose.
Wither
Singular of withers
Wither
Against, in opposition to.
Wither
To fade; to lose freshness; to become sapless; to become sapless; to dry or shrivel up.
Shall he hot pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither?
Wither
To lose or want animal moisture; to waste; to pin away, as animal bodies.
This is man, old, wrinkled, faded, withered.
There was a man which had his hand withered.
Now warm in love, now with'ring in the grave.
Wither
To lose vigor or power; to languish; to pass away.
States thrive or wither as moons wax and wane.
Wither
To cause to fade, and become dry.
The sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth.
Wither
To cause to shrink, wrinkle, or decay, for want of animal moisture.
Shot forth pernicious fireAmong the accursed, that withered all their strength.
Wither
To cause to languish, perish, or pass away; to blight; as, a reputation withered by calumny.
The passions and the cares that wither life.
Wither
Wither, especially with a loss of moisture;
The fruit dried and shriveled
Wither
Lose freshness, vigor, or vitality;
Her bloom was fading
Common Curiosities
Can "wither" be used metaphorically?
Yes, "wither" can metaphorically describe a decline in things like hope, power, or beauty.
What does "wither" commonly describe?
"Wither" commonly describes the process of something naturally decaying or drying up.
How is "whither" used in a sentence?
"Whither" is used to inquire about the direction or destination of an action or journey.
What is the difference between "whither" and "where"?
"Whither" asks about direction towards a place, while "where" asks about the location itself.
Is there a modern equivalent to "whither" that is more commonly used today?
The modern equivalent to "whither" is simply "where" or "to where," which are more commonly used in everyday English to ask about direction or destination.
Is "whither" still commonly used in modern English?
No, "whither" is considered archaic and is mainly found in literary or formal contexts.
What is the grammatical role of "wither" in a sentence?
"Wither" functions as a verb in a sentence, describing the action of declining, decaying, or drying up.
What are some synonyms for "wither"?
Synonyms for "wither" include shrivel, wilt, decay, and atrophy.
When is "whither" appropriately used in writing?
"Whither" is appropriately used in formal, literary, or rhetorical contexts, particularly to add a poetic or philosophical touch to the text.
Can "wither" be used in a positive context?
Generally, "wither" is used in negative contexts relating to decline or decay, though it can be used positively in the sense of diminishing undesirable elements, like withering away fears or doubts.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
