English
why
Pronunciation
  • enPR hwī, IPA: /ʍaɪ/, /waɪ/
Adverb

why (not comparable)

  1. For what cause, reason, or purpose (interrogative adverb).
    1. Introducing a complete question.
      Why is the sky blue?
      Why did you do that?
      I don’t know why he did that
      Tell me why the moon changes phase.
      • 2016, [https://web.archive.org/web/20170925022505/https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/lets-learn-english-lesson-4/3168920.html VOA Learning English] (public domain)
        Why do you have a map of the world?
    2. Introducing a verb phrase (bare infinitive clause).
      Why spend money on something you already get for free?
      Why not tell him how you feel?
    3. Introducing a noun or other phrase.
      Why him? Why not someone taller?
  2. For which cause, reason, or purpose (relative adverb).
    That's the reason why I did that.
Synonyms Translations Noun

why (plural whys)

  1. reason
    A good article will cover the who, the what, the when, the where, the why and the how.
Synonyms Translations Interjection
  1. An exclamation used to express indignation, mild surprise, or impatience.
    • “Why, child, I tell thee if I was thy mother I would not disown thee; don't you see I am as kind to you as if I was your mother?”
      Why, thank you!
Translations Noun

why (plural whies)

  1. (UK, dialect) A young heifer.


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