why, wherefore
(noun) the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase āthe whys and whereforesā
Source: WordNet® 3.1
why (not comparable)
For what cause, reason, or purpose (interrogative adverb).
Introducing a complete question.
Introducing a verb phrase (bare infinitive clause).
Introducing a noun or other phrase.
For which cause, reason, or purpose (relative adverb).
• how come, wherefore, to what end
why (plural whies)
reason
• wherefore
why
An exclamation used to express indignation, mild surprise, or impatience.
why (plural whies)
(UK, dialect) A young heifer.
• hwy, hwy.
Source: Wiktionary
Why, adv. Etym: [OE. whi, why, AS. hwi, hw, instrumental case of hwa, hwƦt; akin to Icel. hvi why, Dan. & Sw. hvi; cf. Goth. hw. Who.]
1. For what cause, reason, or purpose; on what account; wherefore; -- used interrogatively. See the Note under What, pron., 1. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel Ezek. xxxiii. 11.
2. For which; on account of which; -- used relatively. No ground of enmity between us known Why he should mean me ill or seek to harm. Milton. Turn the discourse; I have a reason why I would not have you speak so tenderly. Dryden.
3. The reason or cause for which; that on account of which; on what account; as, I know not why he left town so suddenly; -- used as a compound relative.
Note: Why is sometimes used as an interjection or an expletive in expression of surprise or content at a turn of affairs; used also in calling. "Why, Jessica!" Shak. If her chill heart I can not move, Why, I'll enjoy the very love. Cowley. Sometimes, also, it is used as a noun. The how and the why and the where. Goldsmith. For why, because; why. See Forwhy. [Obs. or Colloq.]
Why, n.
Definition: A young heifer. [Prov. Eng.] Grose.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
25 June 2025
(noun) a state of being confined (usually for a short time); āhis detention was politically motivatedā; āthe prisoner is on holdā; āhe is in the custody of policeā
Espresso is both a coffee beverage and a brewing method that originated in Italy. When making an espresso, a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure forces through finely-ground coffee beans. It has more caffeine per unit volume than most coffee beverages. Its smaller serving size will take three shots to equal a mug of standard brewed coffee.
