whither, wither
Wither is a an intransitive verb meaning to shrivel or dry up; to lose vitality; or to wane.
Examples:
- After no rain for months, the crops withered in the fields.
- Even in his later years, he didn’t wither on the court and remained a vital part of the team.
- Her confidence withered.
Do not confuse with the word whither.
The formal and archaic word whither, beginning with a wh-, serves either as an adverb or conjunction meaning “to which or what place, end, or conclusion.” Although sometimes used without a verb colloquially or in literary device, it is correct to use with a verb.
As an adverb:
- Whither is the maiden traveling?
- Whither you go with my book?
- Whither we examine these remains?
As a conjunction:
- The boat wrecked on the shore whither the hurricane left forced it.
- We will camp here whither the cold has forced us to stop for the night.