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Raen Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Rhetorical "why"
I've read or heard it several times. It never comes with a question mark nor expect an answer (or so it seems). But what does it mean? Does it mean, "Why do you even bother to ask? it's so obvious." or does it mean something else? How/when is it used? To show an example,
"The boundaries of our country, sir? Why sir, on the north we are bounded by the aurora Borealis, on the ease we are bounded............" --The American Joe Miller's Jest Book
Thanks in advance
Raen
"The boundaries of our country, sir? Why sir, on the north we are bounded by the aurora Borealis, on the ease we are bounded............" --The American Joe Miller's Jest Book
Thanks in advance
Raen
Top answer
It is in the definition of "why" as an interjection. In this case, the person answering is surprised that the person asking does not already know. , or sometimes a mere expletive): Why, it's all gone!
- It is in the definition of "why" as an interjection.
- In this case, the person answering is surprised that the person asking does not already know.
- , or sometimes a mere expletive): Why, it's all gone!
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3 Answers
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It is in the definition of "why" as an interjection. In this case, the person answering is surprised that the person asking does not already know.
–interjection
(used as an expression of mild surprise, hesitation, impatience etc., or sometimes a mere expletive): Why, it's all gone!
–interjection
(used as an expression of mild surprise, hesitation, impatience etc., or sometimes a mere expletive): Why, it's all gone!
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This quote from a dictionary should help you:
"(used as an expression of surprise, hesitation, etc., or sometimes a mere expletive): Why, it's all gone!"
CB
"(used as an expression of surprise, hesitation, etc., or sometimes a mere expletive): Why, it's all gone!"
CB
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