English · Question Words
for what reason
/fɔːr wɒt ˈriː.zən/
[/fɔːr wɒt ˈriː.zən/]
why
Advancedphrase
Definition
A formal way to ask the reason for something.
Example
For what reason was the meeting cancelled at the last minute?
For what reason was the meeting cancelled at the last minute?
Etymology
A phrase combining 'for', 'what', and 'reason' (Latin 'ratio').
How & Where It’s Used
A formal alternative to 'why'.