why
Question demanding justification
As an adverb and conjunction, why asks or introduces the reason or explanation for something: Can you explain why you did it? Why do you need to know?
As an interjection, why usually draws attention to an observation or question that follows it: Why that rascal, I knew he wouldn’t return the money.
Request for information
- askSeek an answer
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- how comeInformal query for reason
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
probing · interrogation · clarification · investigation · examination · scrutiny · challenge · demand
Basis or justification
- intentionPlanned purpose for acting
- motiveReason for action
- goalDesired end result
- aimPurpose or direction
objective · meaning · justification · rationale · end · function · design · motivation
Basis or justification
- explanationStatement making something clear
- becauseFor the reason that
- basisUnderlying support or principle
- groundsBasis for justification
rationale · source · origin · root · trigger · catalyst · factor · determinant
Interrogative for selection
Amazement or curiosity
- inquisitivenessEager desire to learn
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- fascinationIntense absorbed interest
- interestAttention, stake, or fee
exploration · discovery · puzzlement · bewilderment · perplexity · intrigue · mystery · enigma
Relating to existence itself
- meaning of lifeUltimate existential purpose
- first causeInitial triggering factor
- teleologyStudy of purpose in nature
- cosmologicalRelating to universe's origin/structure
ultimate · fundamental · metaphysical · deeper meaning · raison d'être · absurdism · purposelessness
Public expression of disapproval
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- complaintExpression of discontent
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- exasperationIntense weary annoyance
disbelief · indignation · defiance · rhetorical · lament · dismay
question
Request for information
questioning · probing · interrogation · clarification · investigation · examination · scrutiny · challenge · demand · skepticism
reason
Basis or justification
aim · objective · meaning · justification · rationale · end · function · design · motivation · impetus
reason
Basis or justification
- explanationStatement making something clear
- becauseFor the reason that
- basisUnderlying support or principle
grounds · rationale · source · origin · root · trigger · catalyst · factor · determinant · antecedent
which
Interrogative for selection
wonder
Amazement or curiosity
- inquisitivenessEager desire to learn
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
- fascinationIntense absorbed interest
interest · exploration · discovery · puzzlement · bewilderment · perplexity · intrigue · mystery · enigma · unknown
existential
Relating to existence itself
- meaning of lifeUltimate existential purpose
- first causeInitial triggering factor
- teleologyStudy of purpose in nature
cosmological · ultimate · fundamental · metaphysical · deeper meaning · raison d'être · absurdism · purposelessness
protest
Public expression of disapproval
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- complaintExpression of discontent
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
exasperation · disbelief · indignation · defiance · rhetorical · lament · dismay
- Basic English Wordshow, the, and, or, but
- questionsquestion, inquiry, questions, query, interrogatives
- Short Wordsact, a, add, I, bat
- curiosityinquisitiveness, wonder, questioning, inquiry, interest
- explanationshow come, explication, definition, description, exposition
- long i soundI, by, my, cry, dry
- why notPhrase of assent
- that's whyExplains the cause
- why meLament of misfortune
- why in the worldExpression of incredulous inquiry
- why botherRhetorical dismissal of effort
- reason whyCause or justification