why in the world
Exasperated demand explanation
Why in the world is an emphatic way of asking why, expressing bewilderment or exasperation: Why in the world would you do that?
The phrase intensifies the question, suggesting the speaker finds something inexplicable or unreasonable.
Similar constructions include how in the world and what in the world.
- bafflementMental state of confusion
- why on EarthEmphatic demand for justification
- incredulityInability to accept something
- bewildermentState of being baffled
- what in tarnationRustic expression of surprise
what on earth · flabbergasted · astonished · dumbfounded · boggle the mind · shocked · disbelief · perplexed · amazement · indignation · for crying out loud · for goodness sake · confusion · puzzlement · stupefied · exasperation · rhetorical question · what gives
why in the worldof course
Expression of obvious agreement
naturally · understandably · no wonder · fair enough · that figures
world, worlds, worldly, worldliness, unworldly, otherworldly, worldwide