le pourquoi

Word: pourquoi

Language: French

Meaning in English:
"Pourquoi" translates to "why" in English.

Explanation:
"Pourquoi" is an interrogative adverb used to ask for a reason or cause. It is commonly used in questions to inquire about the motive or purpose behind something. For example:

• Pourquoi es-tu en retard ? — Why are you late?

Parts of the word:
It's a single word with no separate parts or roots easily distinguishable to a learner, but historically, it comes from the combination of "pour" (for) and "quoi" (what), literally meaning "for what."

Synonyms:

• Pour quelle raison — For what reason
• Pour quelle cause — For what cause/purpose

Antonyms:
There isn't a direct antonym for "pourquoi," since it's a question word. However, responses expressing cause or reason can be seen as opposite in function (statements of reason versus questions).

Additional Usage:

• It can be used in indirect questions:
  Je me demande pourquoi il est parti. — I wonder why he left.

In summary, "pourquoi" is primarily used to ask "why"—inquiring about reasons or causes.