the what (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The phrase "the what" primarily functions as a noun phrase in English.

Phonetic Transcription

/ðə wɒt/

Meaning and Usage

"The what" is a colloquial expression often used informally to express confusion about a particular situation or to seek clarification about something that has been mentioned or implied. It signals that the speaker perceives some ambiguity and is looking for a clearer understanding.

• Frequency of Use: "The what" is not a commonly used phrase in formal writing but may appear in informal spoken contexts.
• Oral vs Written Context: It is more frequently encountered in oral speech.

Example Sentences

1. I heard you mention a project. Can you elaborate on the what?
   Translation: J'ai entendu que tu mentionnais un projet. Peux-tu en dire plus sur le quoi ?

2. When discussing the budget cuts, she threw in the what that really confused everyone.
   Translation: En discutant des coupes budgétaires, elle a ajouté le quoi qui a vraiment confondu tout le monde.

3. After watching that movie, I'm left with the what that I can't shake off.
   Translation: Après avoir regardé ce film, je reste avec le quoi que je ne peux pas me débarrasser.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "the what" itself is not directly the base of numerous idiomatic expressions, it may be featured in broader phrases where it helps to delve deeper into confusion, uncertainty, or clarification.

1. "What in the world?"

2. I couldn't believe he would do such a thing; what in the world was he thinking?
   Translation: Je ne pouvais pas croire qu'il ferait une telle chose ; que diable pensait-il ?

3. "The what of it?"

4. When she explained her idea, I just asked her the what of it to understand better.
   Translation: Quand elle a expliqué son idée, je lui ai juste demandé le quoi pour mieux comprendre.

5. "What do you mean?"

6. When he said he was leaving the country, I asked him, "What do you mean?"
   Translation: Quand il a dit qu'il quittait le pays, je lui ai demandé : "Que veux-tu dire ?"

7. "What gives?"

8. I came into the meeting and everyone was silent; I had to ask, "What gives?"
   Translation: Je suis entré dans la réunion et tout le monde était silencieux ; j'ai dû demander : "Que se passe-t-il ?"

9. "What the heck?"

10. When I saw the broken window, I exclaimed, "What the heck happened here?"
    Translation: Quand j'ai vu la fenêtre cassée, j'ai exclamé : "Que diable s'est-il passé ici ?"

Etymology

The word "the" is a definite article in English derived from Old English "þē" or "se," and "what" comes from the Old English "hwæt," meaning "which" or "that." The combination of "the" and "what" likely evolved from a colloquial use focused on seeking clarity.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: None directly, but phrases such as "what on earth" or "what's going on" can be similar in confusion contexts.
• Antonyms: Clarity, understanding, certainty.

This detailed examination of "the what" showcases its informal usage and the innate human desire for clarity and communication in the language.