why — for what reason or purpose
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: for what reason or purpose
Pronunciation (IPA): /waɪ/
Example Sentences
- Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side!
- Why don't you try the new restaurant downtown?
- I don't understand why cats always land on their feet.
why
ADVERB[/waɪ/]
for what reason or purpose
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Old English hwȳ, meaning 'for what reason' or 'on what account'. The word originates from a common interrogative root in Germanic languages, making it one of the most fundamental question words in English.
Breakdown
Old English hwȳ (interrogative adverb) → Modern English why. The word is an irreducible interrogative element with no productive morphological components in Modern English.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side!”
“Why don't you try the new restaurant downtown?”
“I don't understand why cats always land on their feet.”
“Why is Monday so close to Friday, but Friday so far from Monday?”
📚Related Words
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