Key Difference: We all know that “what” and “why” are the questions that are used for asking about something in various manners. Everyone forms a question that begins with these words in the English language. By using these words we can seek different types of answers. What is used to ask for a piece of specific information. Whereas, why is used to know the purpose or reason for an action. Let’s see the contradictions of these terms in this post.
What: What did he say?
Why: Why are you looking at me?
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What:
To ask for something.
As we already said, the question what will return the specific information that we asked for. This term is used to refer various things in various contexts. Let’s see an example to make it clear for you. What time does the party start? From this question, we might understand that someone asked about the party timing. Here we come up with another example for your reference. What can I do for you? from this question we might understand that someone asks that what he or she wants to do.
How Do We Spell the Word What?
The phonetics pronunciation of the word What is wɒt. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “What” by syllables.
- The word “What” has only one syllable.
- It cannot be divided.
Using “What” in sentences:
- What’s app man?
- This is what you know right?
- What’s your name?
- Do what I say.
- I know what to do.
Why:
To ask for a reason.
The question why will determine the reason or purpose of an action. Why means for what or for what reason? We can ask in any way at our convenience. Let’s see an example to make it clear for you. Why didn’t you call me? From this question, we might understand that someone asks, for what reason you didn’t call me. Here we come up with another example for your reference. Tom says this is why I quit the job. From this statement, we might understand that Tom quit his job for a reason.
How Do We Spell the Word Why?
The phonetics pronunciation of the word Why is waɪ. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “Why” by syllables.
- The word “Why” has only one syllable.
- It cannot be divided.
Using “Why” in sentences:
- Why do you ask?
- That’s why I came here.
- Why did you come early?
- Tell me why you want to go there.
- I don’t know why she suddenly shouts at you.
Compare: What Vs Why
This table will show the contradiction between the words’ What and Why.
| What | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It is used to ask about something. | It is used to determine the cause or purpose of an action. |
| Synonyms | Indeed, My word | For what reason, for what purpose, how come |
| Antonyms | regardless of | I know or I already know |
| Etymology | Old English hwæt, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch wat and German was, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin quod . | Old English hwī, hwȳ ‘by what cause’, instrumental case of hwæt ‘what’, of Germanic origin. |
| Examples | What is your story? This is what I need. What’s over there? What are you cooking? Guess what he told me. | Why are you so late? Could you please tell me why I have to apologize? Why did he avoid me? Why are you so upset? My parents are the reason why I am successful. |
Resources and References:
Resources: Cambridge Dictionary (What, Why), Merriam-Webster (What, Why), Collins Dictionary (What, Why), Dictionary.com (What, Why)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org[1], Merriam-Webster.com[2], CollinsDictionary.com[3], Dictionary.com[4].