Why Word Meaning

Etymology:

Old English hwī, hwȳ ‘by what cause’, instrumental case of hwæt ‘what’, of Germanic origin

Audio Pronunciation:

Definition:

for what reason or purpose

Short Definition:

for what reason or purpose

Examples:

• why did he do it?

Audio Pronunciation:

Definition:

expressing surprise or indignation

Short Definition:

expressing surprise or indignation

Examples:

• why, that's absurd!

Definition:

used to add emphasis to a response

Short Definition:

used to add emphasis to response

Examples:

• ‘You think so?’ ‘Why, yes.’

Audio Pronunciation:

Definition:

a reason or explanation

Short Definition:

reason or explanation

Examples:

• the whys and wherefores of these procedures need to be explained to students