a. for what reason, purpose, or cause?: why are you here?. b. (used in indirect questions): tell me why you're here. When we ask for reasons in speaking, we can use the phrase why is that? In informal conversations we often say why’s that?: … You use why in questions when you ask about the reasons for something. Why hasn't he brought the bill? Why didn't he stop me? Why can't I remember the exact year we married? Definition of WHY in the Definitions.net dictionary. Meaning of WHY. What does WHY mean? Information and translations of WHY in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. The word why serves as a fundamental tool in language for seeking explanations, expressing surprise, or delving into the reasons behind actions or phenomena. This small but powerful word is central to inquiry, understanding, and conversation. The most common use of “why” is as an interrogative adverb, where it introduces a question about reasons or causes. In direct questions, it modifies the verb and helps gather information by asking “for what reason” or “due to what cause.” Delve into the comprehensive guide for why in The Academic Glossary. This entry covers its deep etymology, various definitions, real-world usage examples in literature, media, and daily discourse, and common idiomatic phrases, aiding a complete understanding. The meaning of WHY is for what cause, reason, or purpose. How to use why in a sentence. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. /waɪ/ IPA guide Other forms: whys Definitions of why noun the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase `the whys and wherefores' synonyms: wherefore.