Why — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb conjunction noun interjection /ˈ(h)wī/

Meaning & Definition of Why

Why (adverb)

  1. for what cause, reason, or purpose

Why (conjunction)

  1. the cause, reason, or purpose for which
  2. for which, on account of which

Why (noun)

  1. reason, cause
  2. a baffling problem, enigma

Why (interjection)

  1. —used to express mild surprise, hesitation, approval, disapproval, or impatience

Why (interjection) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable

    "why, what a strange thing to say!"

    "why, that's not possible!"

    similar: ah, aha, come on, fie, indeed, my word, no, pshaw, well, what
    related: gee, gee whiz, ha, hello, hey, lo, oh, fiddlesticks, phooey, pooh, there, oops, ugh, egad, gad, gadzooks (archaic), (the) deuce, the devil, the dickens, zounds

Why (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something (as a belief) that serves as the basis for another thing

    "asked the whys behind the surprising decision"

    similar: account, authority, grounds, motive, reason, subject, wherefore
    related: antecedent, cause, consideration, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, occasion, stimulus

  2. something hard to understand or explain

    "how one decides that a certain person is the one is one of the great whys of life"

    similar: closed book, conundrum, enigma, head-scratcher, mystery, mystification, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle, secret
    related: brainteaser, case, challenge, knot, matter, perplexity, poser, problem, stumper, trouble

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Why

The most common words with a similar meaning to Why:

ah, aha, come on, fie, indeed, my word, no, pshaw, well, what, account, authority, grounds, motive, reason, subject, wherefore, closed book, conundrum, enigma, head-scratcher, mystery, mystification, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle, secret

Related Words for Why

gee, gee whiz, ha, hello, hey, lo, oh, fiddlesticks, phooey, pooh, there, oops, ugh, egad, gad, gadzooks, (the) deuce, the devil, the dickens, zounds, antecedent, cause, consideration, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, occasion, stimulus, brainteaser

Word Forms of Why

Inflections: whys

Origin & Etymology of Why

Middle English, from Old English hwȳ, instrumental case of hwæt what what:1

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Why

Words & Phrases Containing Why

why bother, not see why not, how/why should I/we know

Frequently Asked Questions about Why

What does "Why" mean?

"Why" means for what cause, reason, or purpose. As an an adverb, a conjunction, a noun and an interjection, it is defined as: for what cause, reason, or purpose. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Why"?

Other words for "Why" include ah, aha, come on, fie, indeed, my word, no and pshaw. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Why" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Why"?

There are 66 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Why". Common alternatives include ah, aha, come on, fie, indeed, my word, no, pshaw, well and what.

How do you use "Why" in a sentence?

Examples of "Why" in a sentence: "why, what a strange thing to say!"; "why, that's not possible!"; "asked the whys behind the surprising decision".

Is "Why" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Why" can be used as an adverb, a conjunction, a noun and an interjection, depending on the context.

Is "Why" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Why" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Why"?

"Why" is pronounced /ˈ(h)wī/.

What is the origin of the word "Why"?

"Why" comes from Middle English, from Old English hwȳ, instrumental case of hwæt what what:1. First known use: before 12th century.