why

[hwahy, wahy]

adverb

1. for what? for what reason, cause, or purpose?.

   Why did you behave so badly?

conjunction

1. for what cause or reason.

   I don't know why he is leaving.

2. for which; on account of which (usually after reason to introduce a relative clause).

   the reason why he refused to go.

3. the reason for which.

   That is why he returned.

noun

plural

whys 

1. a question concerning the cause or reason for which something is done, achieved, etc..

   a child's unending hows and whys.

2. the cause or reason.

   the whys and wherefores of a troublesome situation.

interjection

1. (used as an expression of surprise, hesitation, etc., or sometimes a mere expletive).

   Why, it's all gone!

why

/ waɪ /

adverb

1. 1. for what reason, purpose, or cause?

      why are you here?

   2. ( used in indirect questions )

      tell me why you're here

pronoun

1. for or because of which

   there is no reason why he shouldn't come

noun

1. (usually plural) the reason, purpose, or cause of something (esp in the phrase the whys and wherefores )

interjection

1. an introductory expression of surprise, disagreement, indignation, etc

   why, don't be silly!

Usage

See reason.

Word History and Origins

Origin of why¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English hwī, hwȳ, instrumental case of hwæt what; cognate with Old Norse hvī

Word History and Origins

Origin of why¹

Old English hwī; related to Old Norse hvī, Gothic hveileiks what kind of, Latin quī

Example Sentences

"That's why I would say to women to get prepared because our bodies are different, and because of our ethnicity, our risks are also different," she said.

Read more on BBC

"I put a lot of thought into the name and I hope it works out because I've invested so much money into my branding, why do I need to change my business?" she said.

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The paramotors are also significantly cheaper to make and maintain - which is one of the main reasons why they've become a mainstay in the Burmese military, say military sources and defence groups.

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Oracle’s databases ran on any hardware system, a decision that was really Ellison’s first big Eureka moment and why Oracle came to dominate the database business.

Read more on Barron's

It wasn’t immediately clear why Forkish was suspected of revealing details about the news conference, which federal authorities announced to members of the media via email at 5 a.m.

Read more on Los Angeles Times