when
UK: wen | US: wɛn
Definition
adv. at what time
conj. at the time that
pron. which time
Structure
wh <interrogative>en <adverbial suffix>
Etymology
The word "when" originates from Old English "hwanne," derived from Proto-Germanic *hwan- (related to time or occasion). The "wh-" prefix marks interrogative or relative function (shared with "what," "where"), while "-en" is an adverbial suffix. Over time, it evolved to serve as an adverb, conjunction, and pronoun, consistently tied to temporal reference.
Examples
When will the meeting start?
She smiled when she saw the surprise.
Do you remember when we first met?
Tell me when you’re ready.
Since when has this been a rule?