why
Translation
why
Examples
Why are you late?
Why are you late?
I don't know why he left.
I don't know why he left.
Grammar Patterns
((...)) used to ask about the reason for something Why are you late?
((clause)) the reason for which I don't know why he left.
Similar Words
Synonyms: for what reason, wherefore
Etymology
From Old English 'hwī', the instrumental case of 'hwæt' (what), meaning 'by what'.
Memory Tips
It's one of the 'Five Ws' (Who, What, When, Where, Why) used for asking questions. Think of it as the question word for reasons.