Why
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈwaɪ̯/ · Part of speech adverb
Quick meaning: Why is an adverb meaning (interrogative) For what cause, reason, or purpose.
Meaning
(interrogative) For what cause, reason, or purpose.
More Meanings
- (relative) For which cause, reason, or purpose.
- (fused relative) The cause, reason, or purpose for which.
- (intransitive, transitive) To ask (someone) the question "why?".
- (Yorkshire, obsolete) A young heifer.
- Alternative form of wye; the name of the Latin script letter Y/y.
- (dated or literary) An exclamation used to express pleasant or unpleasant mild surprise, indignation, or impatience.
Example Sentences
Why, that’s ridiculous!
That is why the sky is blue.
That's the reason why I did that.
Why most of us volunteer is that we need some fresh air.
Word Forms
- whys
- why's
- whying
- whyed
Synonyms for why
Depending on context, synonyms include wherefore.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include wherefore, explaining, explanation, result, rationale, cause.
Related Dictionary Tools
Practice “why” in a Crossword
Recall this definition from a clue, use crossing letters, and review the word again when you solve it.
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.