I. why 1 S1 W1 /waɪ/ BrE AmE adverb
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?
• • •
SPOKEN PHRASES
3 . why not? used to say that you agree with a suggestion:
‘We could invite John and Barbara.’ ‘Yes, why not?’
4 . why doesn’t somebody do something?
a) ( also why not do something? ) 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 . why somebody? used to ask why a particular person has been chosen or is suffering:
Why me? Why can’t someone else drive you?
6 . why oh why ...? used to show that you are very sorry or angry about something:
Why oh why did I say those horrible things?
II. why 2 BrE AmE 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.
III. why 3 BrE AmE noun
the whys and (the) wherefores the reasons or explanations for something:
The whys and the wherefores of these procedures need to be explained.