why
for what? for what reason, cause, or purpose?: Why did you behave so badly?
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.
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.
(used as an expression of surprise, hesitation, etc., or sometimes a mere expletive): Why, it's all gone!
Origin of why
1usage note For why
Words Nearby why
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use why in a sentence
I mean, even Ron Fournier of National Journal, usually devoted to the pox-on-both-houses, why-can't-Obama-lead?
DB: why/how does Credit Suisse feel like a good fit for you?
Industry Trailblazer to Aspiring Women Pros: Stand Up and Be Counted | Daily Beast Promotions | November 14, 2011 | THE DAILY BEASTFerguson reverses those emphases—focusing solely on this historic meltdown, the who/what/where/why/how.
Inside Job: Hard Lessons Through Pretty Pictures | Randall Lane | October 15, 2010 | THE DAILY BEASTTill now one with sudden hiss: "But-good Christ-just look-why, the roof's leaning—!"
The Lord of the Sea | M. P. ShielAnd what is it that brings disaster on those who employ the phalanx?why the phalanx fails.
The Histories of Polybius, Vol. II (of 2) | Polybius
It needed a beefy person with fat legs and a large amount of inexplicable dignity, a regular God-knows-why loftiness.
The O'Ruddy | Stephen CraneWeren't they as good as gold this morning, Emily?and yesterday!why they never murmured, as good as gold they were.
The White Peacock | D. H. (David Herbert) LawrenceLike other sharp children, why-why was always asking metaphysical conundrums.
In the Wrong Paradise | Andrew Lang
British Dictionary definitions for why
/ (waɪ) /
for what reason, purpose, or cause?: why are you here?
(used in indirect questions): tell me why you're here
for or because of which: there is no reason why he shouldn't come
(usually plural) the reason, purpose, or cause of something (esp in the phrase the whys and wherefores)
an introductory expression of surprise, disagreement, indignation, etc: why, don't be silly!
Origin of why
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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