why

[ wahy, hwahy ]

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 Note

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 is the reason why I refuse to attend the festival for the promotion of ‘Rust,’ especially now when there is still no justice for my daughter.”

From Salon

The review made a number of recommendations including advising all departments to produce exception approval forms explaining why it would not be appropriate to run a fair and open recruitment process.

From BBC

The father of her children and the prosecutor of the case will also have an opportunity to argue why she should remain behind bars.

From BBC

If bacteriophages are so spectacular, why weren’t they adopted in the U.S. and many other Western nations?

From Salon

It is a clear example of why inflation is not quite the same as the cost of living.

From BBC