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why
[ wahy, hwahy ]
adverb
- for what? for what reason, cause, or purpose?:
Why did you behave so badly?
conjunction
- for what cause or reason:
I don't know why he is leaving.
- for which; on account of which (usually after reason to introduce a relative clause):
the reason why he refused to go.
- the reason for which:
That is why he returned.
noun
- a question concerning the cause or reason for which something is done, achieved, etc.:
a child's unending hows and whys.
- the cause or reason:
the whys and wherefores of a troublesome situation.
interjection
- (used as an expression of surprise, hesitation, etc., or sometimes a mere expletive):
Why, it's all gone!
why
/ ɲɪ /
adverb
- for what reason, purpose, or cause?
why are you here?
- ( used in indirect questions )
tell me why you're here
pronoun
- for or because of which
there is no reason why he shouldn't come
noun
- usually plural the reason, purpose, or cause of something (esp in the phrase the whys and wherefores )
interjection
- an introductory expression of surprise, disagreement, indignation, etc
why, don't be silly!
Usage Note
51Թ History and Origins
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of why1
Example Sentences
When asked in his police interviews why he had not called the emergency services he said he waited because of those circumstances.
The season shows just how important his graffiti becomes for a local community – and why people disagree so vehemently about what should happen after it's discovered.
But why are they in such poor health – and what can be done about it?
It is not clear why Louise was not told about this.
This is why the surreal stories about the US tariffing rarely visited islands only inhabited by penguins matter.
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