Definition of why
: for what cause, reason, or purpose why did you do it?
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Examples of why in a Sentence
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?”
Origin and Etymology of why
Middle English, from Old English hwȳ, instrumental case of hwæt what — more at what
why
Definition of why
1 : the cause, reason, or purpose for which know why you did it that is why you did it
2 : for which : on account of which know the reason why you did it
Examples of why in a Sentence
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.
First Known Use of why
before 12th century
why
Definition of why
whys
Examples of why in a Sentence
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
Recent Examples of why from the Web
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So, how big - why is Islamic State targeting Christians in Egypt?
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But instead of getting bogged down by the calories consumed or the grams of fat encountered, Alpert turned the conversation to the why.
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.
First Known Use of why
13th century
why
Definition of why
—used to express mild surprise, hesitation, approval, disapproval, or impatience why, here's what I was looking for
Examples of why in a Sentence
why, what a strange thing to say!
First Known Use of why
1519
WHY Defined for English Language Learners
why
playDefinition of why for English Language Learners
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: for what reason or purpose
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—used to offer a suggestion or to say that a course of action is not necessary
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—used to express irritation or annoyance
why
Definition of why for English Language Learners
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: the cause, reason, or purpose for which
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: for which
why
Definition of why for English Language Learners
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—used at the beginning of a statement especially to express surprise
WHY Defined for Kids
Definition of why for Students
: for what cause or reason Why did you do it?
Definition of why for Students
1 : the cause or reason for which We know why you did it.
2 : for which Here's the reason why I did it.
Definition of why for Students
—used to express surprise, uncertainty, approval, disapproval, or impatience Why, how did you know that?
Learn More about why
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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
Seen and Heard
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