adv
why
WEYE
adv
1
For what reason or purpose; used to ask a question.
"Why did you leave so early?"
"I don't know why she said that."
noun
1
The reason behind something.
"We may never learn the why of his decision."
"Understanding the why helps you accept the outcome."
intj
1
Used to express mild surprise or to introduce a remark.
"Why, I never expected to see you here!"
"Why, that's the strangest thing I've heard all week."
How to Use Why
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe word used to ask or explain the reason for something.
Common pairings
why not
the reason why
ask why
Word Forms
whied past tense, whyed past tense, whys plural, why's plural, whies plural, whies plural, whys singular, whies singular
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Etymology
From Old English hwȳ, ultimately from the same ancient root as who and what.