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Definition 2024


how_come

how come

English

Adverb

how come

  1. (idiomatic, informal) Why; why is it; for what reason or purpose?
    How come you didn't leave when you had the chance?

Usage notes

"How come" differs from "why" in that the word order of the question is the same as that of a statement. Compare:

You didn't leave. (statement)
How come you didn't leave?
Why didn't you leave?

Translations