The spelling of the phrase "tell why" follows the Basic English orthography. The IPA phonetic transcription of this phrase is /tɛl/ /waɪ/. In this transcription, the first syllable of "tell" is pronounced with the short e vowel sound, represented by /ɛ/, while the second syllable of "why" has the long i vowel sound represented by /aɪ/. Overall, this phrase is spelled based on the phonetic representation of its pronunciations, making it easier for language learners to spell it correctly.
"Tell why" is a phrase that typically refers to a request or prompt for someone to provide an explanation or reasoning for a particular statement, action, or decision. It combines the verb "tell," which means to convey information or details through speech or writing, with the adverb "why," which asks for the reason behind something.
When someone asks you to "tell why," they are seeking a coherent and logical explanation to understand the motivations, intentions, or causes that led to a certain outcome or perspective. This request implies an interest in gaining insights and a desire for a clear understanding of the circumstances or factors that contribute to a situation.
For example, if you express an opinion or embark on a course of action, someone might respond by saying, "Tell me why you think/feel that way," or "Tell me why you made that decision." In these cases, they are looking for justifications, evidence, or thought processes that support or explain your viewpoint, choices, or actions.
In summary, "tell why" is an expression used to prompt or encourage someone to offer a rational and well-thought-out explanation or reasoning behind a statement, action, or decision. It signifies a genuine interest in understanding the motives or justifications behind a particular stance or behavior.
The phrase "tell why" does not have a specific etymology of its own, as it is composed of two common English words. However, we can analyze the individual words to understand their origins:
1. Tell: The word "tell" originated from the Old English word "tellan", which meant to count, recount, or relate. It can also be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "taljan" and the Proto-Indo-European root "del-", meaning to recount or count.
2. Why: The word "why" is derived from the Old English word "hwȳ" or "hwi", which means for what reason or cause. Its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hwi-" or "hwo-", and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European root "kwo-", meaning who or what.