Definition of why
- why did you do it?
Why did you quit your job?
Why is the sky blue?
Why didn't you call me?
Why didn't I think of that?
“I can't go out tonight.” “Why not?”
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'why.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
I know why he did it.
It's easy to see why she fell in love with him.
He's a very good player. That's why he made the team.
The reason why they succeeded is obvious. They worked really hard.
Give me one good reason why I should stay.
before 12th century
asked the whys behind the surprising decision
how one decides that a certain he or she is “the one” is one of the great whys of life
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'why.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
13th century
antecedent, cause, consideration, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, occasion, stimulus;
why, what a strange thing to say!
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'why.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
1519
: for what reason or purpose
—used to offer a suggestion or to say that a course of action is not necessary
—used to express irritation or annoyance
: the cause, reason, or purpose for which
: for which
—used at the beginning of a statement especially to express surprise
See words that rhyme with why Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for why Spanish Central: Translation of why Nglish: Translation of why for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of why for Arabic speakers
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