why ever

why ever
why ˈever idiom
used in questions to mean ‘why’, expressing surprise

Why ever didn't you tell us before?

Main entry:whyidiom

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • why ever — why at all …   English contemporary dictionary

  • why ever? — who/why/what/etc ever? phrase used for emphasizing a question, especially when you are surprised or upset What ever gave you that idea? Usage note what ever , who ever etc can also be written as single words …   Useful english dictionary

  • ever — 1. as intensifier. In informal conversation ever is sometimes used as an intensifier immediately after an interrogative word such as who, what, why, etc.: Who ever can that be? / What ever did you say to him? / Why ever should you think that?… …   Modern English usage

  • ever — ► ADVERB 1) at any time. 2) used in comparisons for emphasis: better than ever. 3) always. 4) increasingly; constantly: ever larger sums. 5) used for emphasis in questions expressing astonishment: why ever did you do it? ● ever and anon …   English terms dictionary

  • why — why1 W1S1 [waı] adv, conj 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… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • why — why1 [ waı, hwaı ] function word *** Why can be used in the following ways: as a question adverb (introducing a direct or indirect question): Why didn t you call me? I know why he s worried. (followed by an infinitive without to ): We can start… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • why — I UK [waɪ] / US / US [hwaɪ] adverb *** Summary: Why can be used in the following ways: as a question adverb (introducing a direct or indirect question): Why didn t you phone me? ♦ I know why he s worried. (followed by an infinitive without to ):… …   English dictionary

  • ever — [[t]e̱və(r)[/t]] ♦ (Ever is an adverb which you use to add emphasis in negative sentences, commands, questions, and conditional structures.) 1) ADV: ADV before v, ADV adv Ever means at any time. It is used in questions and negative statements. I… …   English dictionary

  • why — 1 /waI/ adverb, conjunction 1 for what reason: Why do you say that? | Why should we bother waiting any longer? | I can t think why he would do such a thing. | why ever...? (=used to add force to a question): Why ever would he come specially to… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • Why We Fight (Angel) — Why We Fight Angel episode Episode no. Season 5 Episode 13 Directed by Terrence O Hara Written by …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”