The spelling of the phrase "what of" may seem straightforward, but its pronunciation can vary depending on the speaker's dialect. In general American English, the "a" in "what" is pronounced as the phoneme /æ/, while the "o" in "of" is pronounced as the phoneme /ɑ/. However, in some dialects, such as those in the Southern United States, the "o" in "of" may be pronounced as the diphthong /oʊ/. Paying attention to the IPA phonetic transcription can therefore help establish clearer communication across dialectal differences.
The phrase "what of" is an interrogative structure used in the English language to convey a query or seek information about the state or condition of something or someone. It is typically used to inquire about the various possible outcomes, consequences, or situations related to a particular subject.
In a broader sense, "what of" implies an examination or consideration of the different aspects or implications of a given topic. It encourages reflection and analysis about the potential ramifications, choices, or alternatives associated with the matter at hand.
This phrase is often used to present hypothetical scenarios or prompt critical thinking. For instance, it can be employed to pose questions like "What of his future career prospects?", "What of the consequences of this decision?", or "What of the impact on society?"
The intention behind using "what of" in these contexts is to encourage listeners or readers to weigh the possible outcomes or explore different perspectives and considerations. It prompts speculation and deliberation, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject being discussed.
In summary, "what of" functions as a key phrase to initiate questioning and prompt a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects or consequences related to a specific topic, encouraging critical thinking and reflection.
The phrase "what of" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a combination of the pronoun "what" and the preposition "of". The word "what" comes from Old English hwaet, which is related to the Old High German hwaz and Old Norse hvatr. It has been used as a pronoun to introduce questions or indicate inquiry since the Middle English period. On the other hand, the word "of" comes from Old English of, which is related to the Old Norse af and Old High German ubar. It functions as a preposition indicating possession, origin, or connection. When combined, "what of" is often used to ask about someone or something's condition, state, or existence.