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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
/ waɪ /
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!
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Word History and Origins
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Word History and Origins
Origin of why1
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Example Sentences
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?
Ferguson reverses those emphases—focusing solely on this historic meltdown, the who/what/where/why/how.
Till now one with sudden hiss: "But-good Christ-just look-why, the roof's leaning—!"
And what is it that brings disaster on those who employ the phalanx?Why the phalanx fails.
It needed a beefy person with fat legs and a large amount of inexplicable dignity, a regular God-knows-why loftiness.
Weren't they as good as gold this morning, Emily?and yesterday!why they never murmured, as good as gold they were.
Like other sharp children, Why-Why was always asking metaphysical conundrums.
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