Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » why

why

Why is defined as for what purpose, cause or reason.

(adverb)

An example of why is when it is used to ask a question such as "Why are you drinking water?

See why in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adverb

for what reason, cause, or purpose? with what motive?: used in direct, indirect, and implied questions: why did he go? he told her why he went

Origin: ME hwi < OE, instrumental case of hwæt, what

conjunction

because of which; on account of which: he knows of no reason why you shouldn't go
the reason for which: do you know why he went? this is why he went

noun pl. whys

the reason, cause, motive, purpose, etc.: never mind the why and wherefore

interjection

used to express surprise, impatience, indignation, etc.
used as an expletive, to preface a remark

See why in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adverb

For what purpose, reason, or cause; with what intention, justification, or motive: Why is the door shut? Why do birds sing?

conjunction

The reason, cause, or purpose for which: I know why you left.
Usage Problem On account of which; for which: “The reason why [regular verbs] are called regular is that we can predict what all the other three forms are” (Randolph Quirk).

noun pl. whys whys

The cause or intention underlying a given action or situation: studying the whys of antisocial behavior.
A difficult problem or question.

interjection

Used to express mild surprise, indignation, or impatience.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English hwȳ; see k^wo- in Indo-European roots

Usage Note: Many critics have held that why is redundant in the expression the reason why, as in The reason why he accepted the nomination is not clear. While it is true that why could be eliminated from such examples with no loss to the sense, the construction has been used by reputable English writers since the Renaissance. See Usage Note at where.

Learn more about why

why synonyms

why phrase meanings

why quotes

link/cite print suggestion box