why

why¹ W1S1 [waı] adv, conj

1.) used to ask or talk about the reason for something

▪ Why are you crying?

▪ Why do we have to take all these tests?

▪ 'She wants to meet you.' 'Why?'

▪ 'I won't be able to come into work tomorrow.' ' Why not ?'

▪ I have no idea why the television isn't working.

▪ Simon loves you - that's why he wants to be with you.

▪ He's angry with me and I don't know why.

▪ There's no reason why we shouldn't be friends.

why on earth/why ever etc

(=used for emphasis when you are surprised, angry etc)

▪ Why on earth didn't you ask me to help?

▪ 'I don't want us to be seen together.' 'Why ever not?'

2.) used to introduce a question that shows you do not think it is necessary to do something

▪ Why worry? You can't do anything about it.

▪ Why waste time going to the bank when you can do it all over the Internet?

3.) spoken why not?

used to say that you agree with a suggestion

▪ 'We could invite John and Barbara.' 'Yes, why not?'

4.) spoken why doesn't sb do sth?

a) also why not do sth?

used to make a suggestion

▪ Why don't you bring over a video for us to watch?

▪ Why not relax and enjoy the atmosphere?

b) used to say angrily that someone should do something

▪ Why don't you mind your own business?

5.) spoken why sb?

used to ask why a particular person has been chosen or is suffering

▪ Why me? Why can't someone else drive you?

6.) spoken why oh why ...?

used to show that you are very sorry or angry about something

▪ Why oh why did I say those horrible things?

why ²

why² interjection old-fashioned

used when you are surprised or have suddenly realized something

▪ Why, look who's here!

▪ And I thought to myself, why, I can do that.

why ³

why³ n

the whys and (the) wherefores

the reasons or explanations for something

▪ The whys and the wherefores of these procedures need to be explained.