Reading Theme:
Why: Meaning, Usage, and Common Questions (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：for what reason (why)
why
/waɪ/
adv.
Used to ask for the reason or purpose behind something.
for what reason
➕
/fɔːr wʌt ˈriːzən/
adv.
Used to ask about the cause or purpose of an action or event.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'hwȳ' (instrumental case of 'hwā' 'who'), related to Latin 'quī' (how).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'why' as a hook-shaped 'y' that curves to catch answers from the unknown.
📖 Example
Why did you decide to join the photography club?
For what reason did you decide to join the photography club?
🔗 Collocations
ask why – to inquire the reason
explain why – to state the reason
know why – to understand the reason
🔄 Synonyms
what for (phrase) – Used to ask the reason for something, often in informal contexts.
for what purpose (phrase) – Asking about the intended goal or aim.
how come (phrase) – An informal way to ask the reason, implying surprise.
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Rooted in Old English 'hwȳ' (instrumental of 'hwā' 'who'), akin to Latin 'quī'. It embodies human curiosity and is fundamental to questioning.
Meaning 2：the reason that (why)
why
/waɪ/
adv.
Used to introduce a clause that explains the reason for something already mentioned.
the reason that
➕
/ðə ˈriːzən ðæt/
adv.
Used to introduce a clause giving the reason for a previously stated fact or event.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She loves nature, which is why she volunteers at the botanical garden every weekend.
She loves nature, which is why she volunteers at the botanical garden every weekend.
🔗 Collocations
that's why – that is the reason
the reason why – the cause for something
this is why – this explains the reason
🔄 Synonyms
the reason that (phrase) – Introduces a clause specifying the cause.
the cause for which (phrase) – Formal way to express the reason.
on account of which (phrase) – Formal phrase indicating the reason behind something.
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