That’s why Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈðӘts wɪ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Idiomatic Expression

Definition

A phrase used to indicate the reason or explanation for something.

Examples

• She asked him why he was late, and that’s why she lost her temper.
• The reason for the car accident was that’s why it took so long to repair.
• He apologized for forgetting the occasion, and that’s why he brought the gift.
• Sometimes I’m late to work, and that’s why I’m always rushing in the morning.
• I love her explanation for why she did that, and that’s why I’m okay with it now.

Synonyms

• Because of
• Due to
• In consequence of

Etymology

The phrase “That’s why” is a versatile idiomatic expression that has evolved over time. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, when it was commonly used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship.

Usage Notes

When using “That’s why” in a sentence, be sure to place the correct emphasis on the word to ensure clarity and proper pronunciation. It can be used to express a variety of emotions, from casual explanations to more serious clarifications.

Cultural References

“That’s why” has appeared in various forms of media, including films, TV shows, and music tracks. For example, in the movie “Goodfellas,” the character Tommy DeVito says “That’s why” when explaining a reason for something.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Other idiomatic expressions similar to “That’s why” include “Because of that,” “Due to that,” and “In consequence of that.”

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases closely related in meaning or usage to “That’s why” include “reason,” “cause,” “explanation,” and “justification.”

Collocations

“That’s why” often collocates with verbs such as “say,” “explain,” “mention,” and “state.”

Frequency of Use

“That’s why” is a relatively common idiomatic expression used in everyday conversation. According to various linguistic studies, it appears in approximately 10% of all spoken language.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of “That’s why” include “Thas why,” “Thats why,” and “This why.”