How, why, etc. in the world Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Expressing Astonishment Use it when something is so surprising that usual questions aren't strong enough. How in the world did you solve it so quickly? Pro Tip 2/3Casual Conversations Fits informal settings like chatting with friends, not formal reports or meetings. Where in the world have you been? We've been waiting for hours! Pro Tip 3/3Emphasizing Confusion Highlights that you're really puzzled about how someone did something. What in the world were you thinking when you mixed those chemicals?