why
6 ENTRIES FOUND:
Britannica Dictionary definition of WHY
1
:
for what reason or purpose
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Why did you quit your job?
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Why are you laughing? [=what are you laughing about?]
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Why is the sky blue?
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Why didn't you call me?
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Why didn't I think of that?
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“I can't go out tonight.” “Why not?”
2
— used to offer a suggestion or to say that a course of action is not necessary
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If you don't want to go, why not just say so?
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Instead of calling, why not e-mail instead?
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Why should I care about that?
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Why don't you come over for dinner? [=we would like to have you over for dinner]
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You deserve the best treatment. Why settle for less? [=you shouldn't be happy with anything less]
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“I'll try calling again.” “Why bother?” [=it's not worth the trouble]
3
— used to express irritation or annoyance
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Why can't you make up your mind?
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Why must I always repeat myself?
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Why would anyone say such a thing?
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Why oh why did I say something so stupid?
2
why
/ˈwaɪ/
conjunction
2
why
/ˈwaɪ/
conjunction
Britannica Dictionary definition of WHY
1
:
the cause, reason, or purpose for which
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I know why he did it.
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It's easy to see why she fell in love with him.
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He's a very good player. That's why he made the team.
2
:
for which
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The reason why they succeeded is obvious. They worked really hard.
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Give me one good reason why I should stay.
3
why
/ˈwaɪ/
noun
3
why
/ˈwaɪ/
noun
Britannica Dictionary definition of WHY
the whys and (the) wherefores
:
the reasons for something
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She explained the whys and the wherefores of the sudden price increase.
4
why
/ˈwaɪ/
interjection
4
why
/ˈwaɪ/
interjection
Britannica Dictionary definition of WHY
somewhat old-fashioned
— used at the beginning of a statement especially to express surprise
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Why, I can't imagine such a thing!
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“Do you know him?” “Why, yes! We know him quite well.”
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“Would you like another drink?” “Why, yes. Thank you.”
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If I want a drink, why, I'll just get it myself!
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Why, of course! That makes perfect sense.
