Dictionary monolingual
English
Why
(h)waɪ
Extremely common
100 - 200
100 - 200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Why -
Asking for a reason or cause
Example: Why did you miss the meeting?
Usage: formalContext: professional settings, academic discussions
Note: Used to inquire about the motive or rationale behind an action or event
Expressing surprise or disbelief
Example: Why, that's incredible!
Usage: formal/informalContext: expressions of surprise or disbelief
Note: Can be used to show astonishment or shock
Expressing annoyance or frustration
Example: Why is this taking so long?
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations, complaints
Note: Used to express irritation or impatience
Expressing curiosity or interest
Example: Why did you choose that color?
Usage: informalContext: casual discussions, getting to know someone
Note: Commonly used to inquire about personal preferences or choices
Why's synonyms
How come
How come is an informal way of asking for the reason behind something.
Example: How come you're late again?
Note: How come is more casual and conversational compared to 'why'.
For what reason
For what reason is a formal and structured way of asking about the cause or purpose of something.
Example: For what reason did you choose that route?
Note: For what reason is more formal and may be used in professional or academic contexts.
What for
What for is a direct and concise way of inquiring about the purpose or motive behind an action.
Example: What for did you buy so many groceries?
Note: What for is more direct and may imply a sense of curiosity or disbelief.
Wherefore
Wherefore is an archaic term meaning 'for what reason' or 'why'. It is rarely used in modern English.
Example: Wherefore did you leave without saying goodbye?
Note: Wherefore is an old-fashioned and poetic term that is not commonly used in everyday language.
Why expressions, common phrases
Why not
This phrase is used to suggest or propose something, implying there is no good reason not to do it.
Example: Why not go for a walk in the park?
Note: While 'why' seeks a reason for something, 'why not' is more about proposing an action or idea.
Why bother
This phrase questions the need or purpose of doing something, suggesting it may not be worth the effort.
Example: Why bother studying if you're not going to pay attention in class?
Note: Unlike 'why' which seeks an explanation, 'why bother' questions the value or point of an action.
Why me
This phrase expresses frustration or disbelief about being the one to experience something undesirable.
Example: Why me? Why do I always get stuck with the difficult tasks?
Note: While 'why' seeks an explanation, 'why me' expresses a personal sense of unfairness or misfortune.
Why the long face
This phrase is used to ask someone why they look sad or upset.
Example: Why the long face? Did something happen?
Note: It's a figurative expression, not directly asking for a reason but rather questioning the person's demeanor.
Why on earth
This phrase shows strong disbelief or confusion about someone's actions or decisions.
Example: Why on earth would you do that? It makes no sense!
Note: It intensifies the questioning aspect of 'why,' emphasizing the speaker's astonishment.
Why the hell
This is a more emphatic and sometimes rude way of asking someone for an explanation.
Example: Why the hell are you ignoring my messages?
Note: It adds a strong emotional tone to the question, often indicating frustration or anger.
Why so
This phrase questions the intensity or seriousness of someone's behavior or attitude.
Example: Why so serious? Lighten up and have some fun!
Note: It directly addresses a specific characteristic or behavior, prompting the person to consider a change.
Why everyday (slang) expressions
Why the rush
Asking why something is being done in a hurry or with urgency.
Example: A: I have to finish this quickly. B: Why the rush?
Note: Focuses on questioning the necessity or reason for rushing.
Why the fuss
Questioning the reason behind someone's exaggerated concern or reaction.
Example: A: Please don't make a big deal out of it. B: Why the fuss?
Note: Inquires about the justification for making a fuss or causing unnecessary drama.
Why the silence
Asking for an explanation for a sudden lack of communication or response.
Example: A: Everyone suddenly stopped talking. B: Why the silence?
Note: Questions the reason behind a quiet or unresponsive situation.
What's with all the questions
Inquiring about the reason behind multiple inquiries or interrogation.
Example: A: Why are you asking so many questions? B: What's with all the questions?
Note: Questions the motive behind the excessive questioning or curiosity.
Why the cold shoulder
Questioning the reason for being treated with indifference or neglect.
Example: A: Julia has been ignoring me lately. B: Why the cold shoulder?
Note: Focuses on asking why someone is being purposely distant or unfriendly.
What's the deal
Inquiring about the reason behind a specific situation or behavior.
Example: A: He hasn't been returning my calls. B: What's the deal?
Note: Asking for an explanation or understanding of a particular circumstance or behavior.
What gives
Seeking to know the reason behind someone's mood or actions.
Example: A: Sarah seems upset. B: What gives?
Note: Questions the cause or reason for a person's current emotional state or behavior.
Why - Examples
Why are you late?
I don't understand why he said that.
Why did you choose this restaurant?
I wonder why she didn't come to the party.
Why grammar
Why - Subordinating conjunction (Subordinating conjunction) / Wh-adverb (Wh-adverb)
Lemma: why
Conjugations
Adverb (Adverb): why
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): whies
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): why
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Why Contains 1 syllables: why
Phonetic transcription: ˈ(h)wī
why , ˈ(h)wī (The red syllable is stressed)
Why - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Why: 100 - 200 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
...