withal
Americanadverb
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with it all; as well; besides.
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in spite of all; nevertheless.
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Archaic. with that; therewith.
preposition
adverb
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literary as well; likewise
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literary nevertheless
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archaic therewith
preposition
Etymology
Origin of withal
1150–1200; Middle English phrase with al ( le ); replacing Old English mid ealle, mid eallum. See with, all
Explanation
Use the word withal to mean "additionally" or "also." You might admire the fact that your friend is kind, generous, and an excellent pool player withal. While you'll come across the noun wherewithal from time to time, you're much less likely to hear someone use withal, which is considered archaic, or extremely old-fashioned. This curious word was used to mean "in addition," but also "nevertheless" and sometimes "with." So you might read sentences like "They were excited but nervous withal." And if you read a lot of Shakespeare, you'll come across withal frequently. It stems from the Middle English with alle, "wholly."
Vocabulary lists containing withal
"Of Plymouth Plantation," Vocabulary from the historical account
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"The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet," Vocabulary from Act 3
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Vocabulary from Readings, Unit 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I think that in such a case, to silence the agitator, and save the boy, is not only constitutional, but, withal, a great mercy.”
From New York Times • Aug. 25, 2020
The turkey is a “more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America,” Franklin wrote.
From Washington Post • Nov. 15, 2018
For in Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America.
From Slate • Nov. 21, 2013
Compared to the bald eagle, wrote Benjamin Franklin in 1784, the turkey is "a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America."
From Science Magazine • Aug. 8, 2012
The insosuit was far bulkier and far uglier than the regulation spacesuit; but withal considerably lighter, due to the fact that they were entirely nonmetallic in composition.
From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
