why

why1 [ waı, hwaı ] function word ***

Why can be used in the following ways:

as a question adverb (introducing a direct or indirect question):

Why didn't you call me?

I know why he's worried. (followed by an infinitive without to ):

We can start now, so why wait?

as a relative adverb (referring back to a noun and introducing a relative clause):

She's tired and that's the reason why she's so bad-tempered. (introducing a clause that is the subject, object, or complement of another clause):

Everyone in Dublin is so friendly, and that is why I love the city.as an interjection:

Why, what's the matter?

1. ) used for asking the reason for something:

Why are you so angry?

He asked me why I was leaving so early, and I didn't know what to say.

why is it that...?: Why is it that the country imports so much of its food?

why ever (=used for showing that you are surprised): She says she's not coming to the wedding. Why ever not?

a ) used when someone knows or says the reason for something:

I don't know why, but there's something I don't like about that woman.

There are a lot of things we need to discuss, which is why I'm here.

reason why: I can only think of one reason why Frank should be jealous.

2. ) SPOKEN used at the beginning of a comment or reply for showing that you are surprised:

Why, I bet you never had the slightest intention of keeping your promise.

Henry's arriving on the twenty-eighth. Why, that's tomorrow!

why me? SPOKEN

used when you cannot understand why you have been chosen to do something difficult or why something bad has happened to you:

Somebody had to take the blame, but why me?

why not...? SPOKEN

1. ) used for making a suggestion:

Why don't we share the cost of accommodation?

why not do something: Why not stay for lunch?

2. ) used for agreeing to a suggestion or request:

Maybe we could all meet up at your house? Yes, of course, why not?

why, oh why...? SPOKEN

used when you wish that something had not happened:

Why, oh why did you get involved with that awful man?

why should I? SPOKEN

used for rudely refusing to do what someone has just asked you to do:

Tell us what Digby said. Why should I?

why

why 2 [ waı, hwaı ] noun

the whys and wherefores

the reasons and explanations:

The president should be able to make a decision without having to explain all the whys and wherefores to a bunch of reporters.