pronominal adverb

pronominal adverb (plural pronominal adverbs)

1. (grammar) An adverb which contains a pronominal element; generally such an adverb replaces a phrase of preposition + pronoun.

• The term is used especially of the kinds of adverbs occurring in most Germanic languages where a third-person personal pronoun, a demonstrative pronoun, or an interrogative pronoun is replaced by a locative adverb preceding the preposition, generally by means of univerbation. English examples include:
  • for that → therefore
  • by this → hereby
  • in what → wherein
• However, the term per se is applicable to adverbs of similar function and formation in any language. For example, the combinations of prepositions and personal pronouns in Semitic or Celtic languages may also be considered pronominal adverbs, depending on terminology.