Why? what. who?

Question

why is the word why a question? who invented it and where do they live and at what point in which century?

Answer 1

The word 'why' is an question because it requires an answer when used. It also determines the form of the answer you require.

For example...
Is the sky blue?
This is a question and the answer is yes.

Why is the sky blue?
See how one little word changes the required response. By using the word 'why' you are requesting specific information. You are asking the cause and the reason for something.

We don't know when it was first used though it was first recorded in 1519. It comes from 'quiane' one of the Latin forms of why.

It isn't known who invented the word though i would guess it has just evolved from language to language and as it is an essential part of communication it was probably one of the first words in existence. I am sure it was used in some form by the first humans who could speak though it may well have been more a grunt at the time.

Words that question are essential that's why sites like this one exist!

Thanks for asking!

Oh and the five Ws of journalism are Who? What? Where? When? and Why?... How? is number 6 but not a W!

Answer 2

The Why family invented the word. Its now commonly used as a question because their family were like interrogating in everthing wanting to find out more ( asking questions ). I think they lived in the 15th Century.

Answer 3

What a waste of 5 points. No one invented the word 'why'.
Or maybe they did, it was John Middleston in his bathtub in 1273.

Answer 4

Not 100% with the date but according to dictionary.com some time before 900;

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.0.1) - Cite This Source
why  /Ê°waɪ, waɪ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[hwahy, wahy] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation adverb, conjunction, noun, plural whys, interjection

–adverb 1. for what? for what reason, cause, or purpose?: Why did you behave so badly?
–conjunction 2. for what cause or reason: I don't know why he is leaving.
3. for which; on account of which (usually after reason to introduce a relative clause): the reason why he refused to go.
4. the reason for which: That is why he returned.
–noun 5. a question concerning the cause or reason for which something is done, achieved, etc.: a child's unending hows and whys.
6. the cause or reason: the whys and wherefores of a troublesome situation.
–interjection 7. (used as an expression of surprise, hesitation, etc., or sometimes a mere expletive): Why, it's all gone!

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[Origin: bef. 900; ME; OE hwī, hwȳ, instr. case of hwæt what; c. ON hvī]

Answer 5

the word why is prehistoric (there is no know history on it) and it actually came from a more basic, older language of sand script. So the word 'Why' is older than English itself.

Answer 6

I am almost sure it was a 2 year old, but it may have been a 3 year old. Their name is lost in the sands of time - OK their parent finally cracked and locked them in the cave whereupon their sibling said......"Why did you do that?"

Answer 7

You forgot where and how of the 5 W's of journalism!

Answer 8

hwi, somewhere in the anglo saxon, old german world.

Answer 9

Hey! you missed the 'where' and 'which'

Answer 10

Why you asking such a dumb question? WHY??