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. Why is an interrogative adverb that can be used alone and shows emotions like surprise or anger. For example: I went to Siberia. Search the world's information, including webpages, images, videos and more. Google has many special features to help you find exactly what you're looking for. The meaning of WHY is for what cause, reason, or purpose. How to use why in a sentence. A simple but powerful model for how leaders inspire action, starting with a golden circle and the question Why? ….more 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? When we ask for reasons in speaking, we can use the phrase why is that? In informal conversations we often say why’s that?: ….