what is
Questioning phrase starter
What is begins a question seeking definition, identity, or explanation: What is the capital of France? , What is love?
In casual speech, it contracts to what's.
The phrase also introduces explanatory clauses: I'll tell you what is really going on.
In philosophical and technical contexts, "what is" questions probe essential nature rather than superficial description.
- definitionStatement of meaning
- meaningWhat something signifies
- existenceState of being real
- questionRequest for information
- burning questionUrgent matter needing resolution
identity · essence · true nature · truth · inquiry · explanation · nature · being · clarification · wonder · curiosity · discovery · answer · knowledge · concept · puzzle · seeking · asking
- Eleaticsbeing, monism, Zeno's paradoxes, changelessness
- question wordswhen, where, which, who, whom
what isthis is
Demonstrative plus verb
that is · it is · I declare · to be specific · I know
what iscertainty
Total absence of doubt
common knowledge · I know · understanding · comprehension · clarity
what, is, whats, whatever, whatnot, whatsoever, somewhat, was