noun
- the essential nature or quality of things; the fundamental characteristics that define what something is
Usage: philosophical; plural of whatness
Examples
- The philosopher pondered the whatnesses of different objects in the room.
- Understanding the whatnesses of various emotions helps in psychological analysis.
- The artist tried to capture the whatnesses of light and shadow in her painting.
- Students of metaphysics often debate the whatnesses of abstract concepts.
- The scientist studied the whatnesses of different chemical compounds.