why
Americanadverb
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
plural
whys-
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
adverb
pronoun
noun
interjection
Usage
See reason.
Etymology
Origin of why
First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English hwī, hwȳ, instrumental case of hwæt what; cognate with Old Norse hvī
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Blue Owl is one of the bigger players and that’s why all eyes are on them.”
A new Harvard University study maps exactly where that reality bites — and tries to explain why some places are more heat-pump friendly than others.
From Los Angeles Times
Year after year he reminds you why he's the captain and leader of the team.
From BBC
There are numerous reasons why “Industry” hasn’t exploded in the way that, say, HBO Max’s smash obsession “Heated Rivalry” has.
From Salon
It is there to fix clear and obvious errors – and that is why we see similar situations with different outcomes.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
