what

The word "what" originates from the Old English "hwæt," which is a pronoun used to inquire about something or to express surprise. Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic hwath, which also led to similar forms in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German "hwa" and Old Norse "hvat." The Proto-Indo-European root is kʷod, meaning "what," which is also the source of related words in other Indo-European languages, such as Latin "quid" and Greek "τί" (ti).

Over time, "what" evolved in form and usage, retaining its interrogative function. In Middle English, it appeared as "what" and began to be used in various constructions, including as a relative pronoun. The word has maintained its core meaning throughout its history, serving as a fundamental element in English interrogative sentences. Its versatility allows it to function in numerous grammatical contexts, including as a determiner and an exclamatory expression. The evolution of "what" reflects broader linguistic changes while preserving its essential role in communication, making it a crucial component of the English language.