The spelling of the phrase "any whither" may seem confusing to some, but it actually follows regular English orthography. The first word "any" is spelled phonetically as [ˈɛni], while "whither" is pronounced [ˈhwɪðər]. The combination of the two words simply means "anywhere," and is commonly used in literature from the 19th century and earlier. Despite its archaic sound, "any whither" can still be found in modern writing, particularly in poetry and fantasy literature.
Any whither is an archaic adverbial phrase that originated in Middle English, derived from the combination of the term "any" and the Middle English word "whither" meaning "where." This phrase denotes movement or direction without a specific destination or goal. The term can be understood as a way to describe travel or movement in any direction or to any place, regardless of its final destination.
The phrase "any whither" is often used to convey a sense of uncertainty or open-endedness. It implies a lack of specific direction or purpose, suggesting that one is willing to go anywhere or explore any possibility. It encompasses a wide range of potential travel destinations, leaving the choice entirely open to the individual or circumstance. Furthermore, "any whither" can also convey a sense of spontaneity and adventure, as it implies a willingness to go wherever the wind may blow, without predetermined plans.
While the usage of the phrase has diminished in modern language, it was commonly employed in literature and poetry of earlier periods, particularly during the Middle Ages. Its poetic and sometimes whimsical nature can give it an evocative and romantic quality, conjuring images of endless possibilities and exploration.
In summary, "any whither" is an antiquated adverbial phrase that denotes travel or movement without a specific destination, encompassing a sense of uncertainty, open-endedness, and potential for adventure.
The phrase "any whither" is actually a combination of two separate words: "any" and "whither" which have their own distinct etymology.
1. "Any":
The word "any" comes from the Old English word "ǣniġ", which means "one or some". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "ainaz", meaning "to hedge or limit". Over time, the word evolved and took on the meaning of "at least one", "some", or "one or more".
2. "Whither":
The word "whither" is derived from the Old English word "hwiðer", which means "to what place". It can be further traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hwithrą", meaning "where", and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European root "*kwo-", also denoting "where".