Definition Synonyms
Definition of why - Reverso English Dictionary
Adverb
1.
interrogativefor what reason or purpose
- Why are you late?
2.
fused relativethe reason for which
- I don't know why she did it.
Interjection
emotionused to express mild surprise or indignation
- Why, I didn't expect to see you here!
Noun
reasoningpurpose or rationale
- Understanding the why can often provide clarity..
Expressions with why
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agree or give permission because no reason to refuse
Can I borrow your book? I don't see why not.
used to emphasize surprise or disbelief in questions
Why in the world would you do that?
express not knowing or unwillingness to explain something
Don't ask me why he left early today!
expressing confusion about an inexplicable situation
He chose the long route, God knows why.
used to express puzzlement or lack of understanding
She left the party early, goodness knows why.
used to emphasize a question with surprise or disbelief
Why in God's name are you shouting?
used to emphasize surprise or disbelief in questions
Why on Earth would you do that?
expresses surprise or disbelief in a situation
Why the heck is the sky green?
expresses strong emotion about a surprising situation
Why the hell did you do that?
ask why something is not true or possible
Why not try a new approach?
used to introduce the result or explanation of what was said
The bus was late, and that's why I missed the interview.
introduce reason for something just mentioned
This is why we need to leave early today!
expression of frustration or disbelief
After the third flat tire this month, he shouted, 'Why me?'.
introduces a clause asking for explanation about surprising or repeated situations
Why is it that he always calls late at night?
connects a reason to its consequence
She was late, which is why we missed the bus.
expresses strong questioning or disbelief
Why oh why did this happen to me?
used to ask why something should not be done
If you want to go, why ever not?
used to introduce a reason for something just mentioned
He was late—why that is, he missed the bus!
expresses realization of simplicity in a situation
Why that's easy, we just need to press this button!
used to emphasize an obvious reason
Why did I eat the cake? Because is why.
question asking for a reason not to do something
Everyone gasped, and I asked, "He invited me, so why shouldn't I?"
question asking for a reason not to do something now
If you’re ready to apply, why wait and risk missing the deadline?
accepting orders without questioning them
In the army, it's ours not to reason why.
shows annoyance or frustration in a question
Why the devil didn't you call me back?
Origin of why
Old English, hwȳ (for what reason)
Terms with why included in their meaning
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explanation
used to explain why the main statement is not true
informal question
used to ask why something happened
purpose
shows why something is done, to reach a goal or result
explanation
explains why someone does not get the joke
delay
asking why something is delayed or taking long
question
why are you hurrying
unknown cause
without knowing why something happened
realization mistake
understand reasons why previous actions were wrong or mistaken
conflict cycle
explain why fighting leads to more fighting in conflicts
questioning belief
ask why someone believes or thinks something
teasing question
ask why someone is acting irritated or upset playfully
behavior
asking why someone is behaving badly
behavior
asking why someone is behaving strangely
questioning rushing
used to ask someone why they are rushing
indifference
no matter why something happens or is done
marketing
presentation showing how a product works and why it is useful
why
reason or purpose for doing something
explanation
explain why you did something
business
fundamental reason why a company exists and what it aims to achieve
disagreement
disagree and say why you think something is wrong
complaint
asking why someone is complaining or arguing
questioning behavior
asking why someone is behaving strangely
complaints
ask why someone is complaining in an annoyed way
indifference
why does it matter
Examples of why in a sentence
Why is the sky blue? That's the reason why we need to leave early. I can't understand why he would say such a thing. Why, that's an unexpected gift! Why, I never thought you'd agree! The why behind the decision was unclear.
He explained the why of the project.
View all translations of why
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:pourquoi, tiens, ...
- German:warum, ach, ...
- Italian:perché, ma dai, ...
- Spanish:por qué, vaya, ...
- Portuguese:por que, ora, ...
- Chinese:为什么, 哎呀, ...
- Japanese:なぜ, おや, ...
- Arabic:لِمَ, يَا لَلْعَجَب, ...
- Hebrew:לָמָה, הֲרֵי, ...
- Russian:почему, как, ...
- Ukrainian:чому, ой, ...
- Hindi:क्यों, अरे, ...
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