why
WEYE
Why (adv) means For what reason or purpose; used to ask a question. Example: “Why did you leave so early?”
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."
"Why do the leaves turn orange and red every autumn?"
noun
1
The reason behind something.
"We may never learn the why of his decision."
"Understanding the why helps you accept the outcome."
"Children often want to know the why behind every rule they are given."
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."
"Why, it's you! I didn't recognise you with short hair."
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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like why.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- whys, why's, whies
- Third person singular
- whys, whies
- Past tense
- whied, whyed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ did you leave so early?
Etymology
From Old English hwȳ, ultimately from the same ancient root as who and what.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “why” mean?
The word “why” means for what reason or purpose; used to ask a question. In plain terms, the word used to ask or explain the reason for something.
How do you pronounce “why”?
“Why” is pronounced WEYE (/ˈwaɪ̯/ in IPA).
How do you use “why” in a sentence?
Here is “why” used in a sentence: “Why did you leave so early?”
What is another word for “why”?
Words with a similar meaning to “why” include how come, to what end, what for, why so, for why and wherefore.
What part of speech is “why”?
Depending on how it is used, “why” can be an adverb, a noun and an intj.
Where does the word “why” come from?
The word “why” comes from Old English. From Old English hwȳ, ultimately from the same ancient root as who and what.
Is “why” a common word?
“Why” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “why” have?
“Why” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: for what reason or purpose; used to ask a question.
What is the difference between "why" and "how come"?
Both ask for a reason, but "how come" is informal and keeps normal word order: "How come you're late?" versus "Why are you late?" Use "why" in formal writing and reserve "how come" for casual speech.
Is "the reason why" redundant?
Strict style guides call it redundant, since "why" already means "the reason behind something," and suggest "the reason" or "the reason that" instead. However, "the reason why" is a long-established construction used by careful writers, so it is safe in all but the most formal editing contexts.
Can "why" be used as a noun?
Yes. As a noun, "why" means the reason behind something: "we understand the what, but not the why." It also appears in the set phrase "the whys and wherefores," meaning all the reasons.
What is the difference between "why" and "wherefore"?
"Wherefore" is an archaic word for "why" — it asks for a reason or purpose, not a location. That is why Juliet's famous line "wherefore art thou Romeo" means "why are you Romeo," not "where are you."
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include why:
